You can bring home a pet for the holidays at half off at the Tacoma Humane Society
There’s no room at the inn.
“It’s such a sad time to see these shelter pets here,” said Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County spokeswoman Victoria Gingrey.
As the weather gets colder, concerned citizens are bringing in more unwanted dogs and cats, she said. The society’s shelter on Center Street is full.
Normally, adopting a dog or cat isn’t cheap. A desirable breed dog can set you back $500 in fees. A kitten costs $135. Fees drop from there based on age with a senior dog costing $80 to adopt.
Now through Dec. 24, the Humane Society is waiving 50 percent of those and other adoption fees.
Fees normally drop if the animal is older, has medical issues or is adopted as a buddy to another animal.
“We don’t turn away pets based on age, breed or medical condition,” Gingrey said.
All the pets have been vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped and given a full medical check-up.
The non-profit shelter cares for nearly 10,000 animals annually.
Shelter staff hopes the event, Home for the Paw-lidays, will pair animals with people looking for a new pet.
The Humane Society isn’t suggesting that pets make good surprise Christmas presents, Gingrey said. Pet owners should only adopt with all parties in agreement and prepared to care for the animal years beyond this holiday season.
The shelter, located at 2608 Center Street in Tacoma, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and will close at 1 p.m. on Dec. 24.
Regular Human Society adoption fees
Highly desirable dog: $500
Puppies: $475
Adolescent dog: $350
Adult dog: $175
Senior dog: $80
Kitten: $135
Adult cat: $75
Senior cat: $30
This story was originally published December 20, 2019 at 6:00 AM.
