ACCT waives adoption fees to clear shelter as staff undergo training to improve operations

ACCT Philly
Photo credit John McDevitt/KYW Newsradio
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia's only open animal intake shelter is waiving adoption fees this weekend in an effort to not only find permanent homes for dogs and cats, but to also help clear the the facility so the staff can undergo an intensive training program. 

It's time for #ACCTtotheFuture! All adoption fees are waived this weekend September 27th-29th. Our goal is to find homes for as many of our wonderful adoptable animals as possible! #AdoptDontShop #SquadGoals #ACCTtotheFuture #CatsofTwitter #DogsofTwitter pic.twitter.com/iIh2t1SBJT

— ACCT Philly (@ACCTPhilly) September 24, 2019

Over the past year, the Animal Care and Control Team, or ACCT Philly, has faced a lot of challenges, to say the least. The facility closed temporarily in the spring after several dogs came down with an upper respiratory virus. The shelter also experienced a turnover in leadership after its executive director resigned less than a year on the job, among other staff changes.

Experts have weighed in over the past several months to improve the way care is provided for the animals and how the operation is run.   

Next week, a shelter medicine team from the University of Wisconsin will be providing consulting services on a pro bono basis.

To prepare for the visit, ACCT is trying to clear the shelter.  

"We are going to be waiving all adoption fees Friday, Saturday and Sunday," said spokesman Blake Martin, "with a goal to reduce the number of animals in the shelter. On Monday and Tuesday, we will be closed to the public with the exception of emergencies."

ACCT will outsource any surgeries over the next few weeks, as staff members transition into the new policies and practices, once they are established.

"We need to hit the reset button and ensure we are following processes and procedures that will result in the best outcomes for the animals in our care," added Adam Bates, ACCT director of operations. "This is a big step in the right direction for the people and animals at the shelter."

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