PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Some animal shelters will be cutting their pet adoption fees in July to more quickly move animals into permanent homes this summer.
The nationwide Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” promotion is among the pet adoption events this month. Spokesperson Brittany Schlacter says adoption fees will be dropped to under $50, and in most cases to $5, at 262 shelters in 42 states. Their promotion runs July 11-31, and includes the Pennsylvania SPCA Philadelphia location starting July 22.
“This is our longest-ever summer national ‘Empty the Shelters’ event,” said Schlacter.
She said inflation has affected the cost on everything from gas to rent and food, and that has impacted adoption rates.
“Across the country, shelters are overcrowded. Adoptions are slowed,” Schlacter said. “We're seeing that pets are staying in the shelter longer.”
Also on Saturday, the PSPCA is hosting their “Really Big Adoption Event.” Philadelphia rescue manager Maddie Bernstein says pet adoption fees will be dropped to $5.
“One of the biggest things that an event like this does is put attention on the shelter, and the need for the movement of animals out of the shelter,” said Bernstein.
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She added that the goal of the event is to ease the burden on qualified, willing pet owners so they can save money for other needs, like pet essentials or vet care.
“It's kind of recognizing that pet owners don't need to be swimming in cash to be able to take good care of their pets,” Bernstein said.
She explained that pet adoptions hit their peak at the start of the pandemic, but have significantly slowed over the past couple of years.
“Cost of living is high, inflation is high, and medical care is difficult. People are dealing with everyday issues, and pets are the last thing on their mind,” she shared.
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“By alleviating that initial, essentially ‘down payment’ of a large sum of money, this helps pet owners kind of get started on a comfortable foot.”
If you’re looking for a pet, Bernstein recommends reaching out to your local shelter to check on their pet application process and whether they are participating in either of these programs.
Links: Pennsylvania SPCA “Really Big Adoption Event” | Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters”
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