May 30, 2008
Due to a seasonal influx of animals in the County's three animal shelters, the Department of Animal Services will waive all adoption fees, beginning this Saturday, May 31 through Aug. 30, for cats 6 months and older, and all dogs 5 years and over, County Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson announced today.
In addition, the adoption fee for any cat or dog that has been at the shelter for 30 days will also be waived. Only two animals per person can be adopted.
"Our three County shelters are really packed right now and we don't want to compromise the health of the animals by holding more animals then we can properly care for," said Danielson. "We are looking for new pet parents who know that they want to add a new four-legged family member but they just haven't taken the time to visit our shelters. Maybe this is just the incentive needed to get families to make the commitment to adopt a pet."
For kittens under 6 months of age, the Department has a “Better with a Buddy” program where a person can adopt one kitten at the full price of $58 and adopt a second kitten at half price. Danielson said the adult cats just can't compete with fuzzy, bouncy kittens and mature dogs have trouble competing with puppies and teenage dogs. The Department wants to offer incentives to adopt these animals before the shelters get to the point of overflowing.
All animals will be neutered or spayed, microchipped and vaccinated prior to going home with their new family. Animals unable to be altered at the time of adoption require a $40 refundable sterilization deposit.
For more information on adoptions visit any of the three County Animal Shelters, or view photos of adoptable animals online.
Animal Services is also offering coupons toward spaying/neutering, low-cost rabies vaccinations and pet microchipping, and late fee amnesty for dog owners who need to obtain or renew a dog license. All of these services are available at a clinic on Sunday, June 1.
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