The clock is ticking for one dog who has spent almost 250 days in the care of the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) shelter in Phoenix, Arizona.

If not adopted by August 29, Balboa, a 3-year-old rescue, will likely be euthanized.

One of 1,000 dogs currently housed at a shelter designed for almost half that number, Balboa arrived just after Christmas, on December 29. Despite being a well-mannered pup, health issues mean he has had a difficult journey to where he is today.

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Since arriving at the shelter, Balboa has battled recurring ear infections for which he has needed treatment and recently developed heart murmurs. His condition requires specialized medical care that the shelter, despite its best efforts, cannot provide, meaning that his future does not look positive.

Shelter staff have gotten to know Balboa well over the last nine months at the shelter. They describe him as a strong, playful dog who gets along well with children and doesn't seem to mind other pups. Often going on walks where he is good on a leash, he even knows basic commands like sit, down, and shake, which makes him a great fit for an active household.

Overcrowding at MCACC is a reflection of a larger crisis affecting animal shelters nationwide. In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, a 4 percent increase from 2022, according to Shelter Animals Count. This rise in intakes has been accompanied by an increase in euthanasia rates. Last year, 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters across the country, a 15 percent jump from the previous year.

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Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared to 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

"Help Balboa," pleaded MCACC in a Facebook post. "Our longest longtimer is in urgent need of an adopter."

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In a comment just below, a volunteer for the shelter added some extra information. Alissa Maloney wrote: "Balboa is literally the best boy. Legit volunteer favorite. He is super chill in his kennel and fun and affectionate when out in the yard. Quite possibly the best loose leash walker EVER."

As staff members desperately try to find homes for Balboa and pups like him, they shared on their Facebook page: "We have dogs of all temperaments, personalities, ages, and breeds. Every single adoption helps."

No appointments are necessary to visit MCACC and meet potential pets, and many currently have waived or sponsored adoption fees.

Newsweek reached out to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) via email for comment.