Alabamians interested in adopting a furry friend before Christmas are in luck. Three Alabama shelters will reduce their adoption fees for the next two weeks.
Florence Lauderdale Animal Services, Lee County Humane Society and the Metro Animal Shelter in Tuscaloosa are among 235 other shelters participating in Empty the Shelters this December. The event will run from Dec. 6-20. During this time, adoption fees for cats and dogs may be as low as $25.
The Bissell Pet Foundation will sponsor select American and Canadian adoption centers during this time. This season’s Empty the Shelters event will serve 41 states. Since Empty the Shelters’ inception in 2016, more than 67,000 pets have been adopted.
Brittany Schlacter is a public relations specialist at The Bissell Pet Foundation. Schlacter said Empty the Shelters benefits prospective pet owners in two different ways.
Schlacter said it is a time when Alabamians looking to adopt an animal can do so at a low price.
“The reduced adoption fee is a great opportunity for people to tuck that money aside that they would’ve paid to cover their vet bills, buy that pet some new toys, their crate, and everything that they need at home and generate that interest for those awesome pets,” Schlacter said.
Schlacter said hopeful owners can also purchase the perfect pet all for a good cause.
“There are so many animals out there who need homes that adoption is a great option,” Schlacter said. “It’s perfect. There's no reason to go to a breeder or buy a pet when there are all kinds of different animals waiting for you in the shelter. Every kind of breed you could imagine, every personality, color, shape, size.”
Empty the Shelters has extended its Holiday Hope event this year. This winter’s Empty the Shelters will be the longest running to date.
Schlacter said the event was extended due to overcrowding in shelters across the country. She said southern shelters especially need to reduce the number of pets in their facilities.
“What we’re seeing across the country, specifically in the South, is that there are just more pets than ever waiting for people in shelters,” Schlacter said. “Many shelters are crowded. For Alabama shelters this is an opportunity for pets to get adopted, so that shelters can better serve their communities and take in other animals out there that are waiting.”
Florence Lauderdale Animal Services, Lee County Humane Society and Metro Animal Shelter have both dogs and cats available for adoption. Each animal will have a lowered adoption price.
Florence Lauderdale requires a vet and housing verification. Lee County only requires a housing verification. Both shelters strongly encourage pre-approval. Metro Animal Shelter processes adoption applications on appointment days only.
For those who cannot adopt or foster an animal but are looking to still help these shelters may donate to The Bissell Foundation or to the shelters directly. More information on what each shelter may require before adopting is also available on The Bissell Pet Foundation website.
