Local Humane Society is waiving adoption fees for dogs to ease overcrowding, Nov. 14-17
The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County is waiving all fees for dog adoptions from Thursday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 17.
The shelter is waiving fees in response to experiencing an influx in dog intakes this year. They are currently caring for 130 dogs at the shelter and almost 70 dogs that are in foster homes, according to a press release.
Leslie Dalzell, chief executive officer at the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, stated in the press release that since the shelter has gone over its kennel capacity, dogs have had to be moved into offices or temporary crates.
“We are in crisis mode,” stated Dalzell said in the press release. “We have doubled and tripled kennel capacity, with dogs in offices and temporary crates in hallways.”
The Humane Society said the community can help alleviate the strain on the shelter by adopting, fostering or diverting healthy dogs while they manage the situation.
“We need our community’s help to create and sustain sheltering space for pets in need,” Dalzell said. “By adopting, fostering, or diverting healthy lost and found dogs from the shelter, we can extend our services and resources to animals in dire need who depend on us as a lifeline.”
The shelter encourages people that find a healthy lost dog to take the following steps to prevent more animals from entering the shelter during this time:
- Provide a temporary home
- Walk the dog around the neighborhood
- Check the dog for a microchip at a local veterinary clinic, pet store, or animal shelter
- Post online and around the community to help locate the owner
- Contact the shelter to include the dog in the found pets records and on the shelter’s website
What does adopting or fostering include?
To adopt a pet, first view the adoptable dogs on The Humane Society website then fill out an adoption application before heading to the shelter in person.
If you’re not quite ready to adopt, but would like to take in a furry friend while they wait to find their forever home, fill out a short foster inquiry form on The Humane Society website.
According to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County website, each adoption includes the following:
Wellness examination from shelter staff
Spay or neuter surgery
Microchip with national registration
Initial vaccines
Pet care counseling
Additional adoption benefits include:
One free week of GoodPup dog training
An exclusive 20% off discount at participating MudBay stores
A VCA Healthy Start Certificate, which includes a complimentary veterinary health exam and 14-day follow-up care
For those interested in fostering, you’d only have to provide the pet with love while the shelter provides everything you need including food, toys, blankets, and medical care while the pet is in your care.
