To tackle the pressing issue of overcrowded animal shelters, the County Department of Animal Services has teamed up with the Bissell Pet Foundation to waive adoption fees for adult cats and dogs through the end of July. This initiative is part of the "Empty the Shelters" national adoption event, a recurring quarterly effort by the Foundation to encourage more people to adopt pets needing homes.
Residents are encouraged to quickly take advantage of this opportunity to provide a deserving animal with a loving home and help alleviate the shelter crisis. Suzy Clayton, Animal Services intake coordinator, expressed excitement about connecting the community with potential furry family members. "We are thrilled to introduce our community to the hundreds of wonderfully deserving adult cats and dogs at our Bonita and Carlsbad shelters", Clayton mentioned, as per the County of San Diego. "Our staff is eager to assist in finding the perfect match for each family."
The adoption fee waiver applies to older animals, often overlooked in favor of their younger counterparts. Prospective pet owners can browse online listings for animals, including cats, dogs, and even non-furry friends like doves and tortoises. Animal Services also offers a fostering program for those unable to commit to an adoption.
For those interested in the program, walk-in hours at the shelters are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation, urged the community to step up and support these animals, suggesting that fostering is another way to impact the current overcrowding situation significantly. "Please adopt and give a pet a chance it might otherwise not have. If you can't adopt, fostering saves lives when shelters are full", Bissell said, as cited by the County of San Diego.
