In the heart of Doral, Miami-Dade County officials are gearing up to honor the community's furriest residents with "Save Charlie Day," a legislative act turned annual campaign highlighting Miami-Dade's dedication to animal welfare. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee, and Commissioner Juan Carlos “JC” Bermudez will be at the helm of a press conference set for December 12 at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center, the county announced.
This year marks another chapter in the Save Charlie Act's history, with a week-long effort commencing December 8 to encourage responsible pet ownership and to find homes for shelter animals, and in what’s a highlight for potential pet parents, adoption fees for dogs aged four months and up will be waived from December 13 through 15, shared Miami-Dade County's official news release. A bid to sustain the legacy of compassion that the county has fostered, Save Charlie Day brings a focus to the region's ongoing mission to uplift animal protection and the significant impact of shelter adoptions on the community.
The Miami-Dade County statement outlines the positive outcomes of these advocacies, proudly noting that Miami-Dade Animal Services has provided safe harbor to approximately 15,000 animals in need each year, alongside crucial vaccination and sterilization services for nearly 20,000 community cats, illustrating the department's unyielding commitment to both pet and public health within this corner of Florida.
The Save Charlie Act, championed by Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee and unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners in 2021, was named for its intention to save as many animal lives as possible and it establishes December 15 as a hallmark day to recognize the county's push for a compassionate, lifesaving ethos that virtually stamps out euthanasia except in the direst of circumstances, according to the county's detailed synopsis of the legislation. The Act also marks a milestone in the county's history, identifying the foundation laid in 2015 when Miami-Dade first achieved—and has since annually maintained—the impressive 90 percent or greater save rate for its animal inhabitants.
Those interested in participating can visit the Pet Adoption and Protection Center on NW 79th Avenue or peruse adoptable pets online during this special week.
