Adoption Fees Lowered to Empty the Shelter

Holiday hope has arrived for homeless pets at the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter with the reduced adoption fees, during this second Empty the Shelter event. You're watching the local news network brought to you by 3 Rivers Brewing and distil Beer Wine Spirits. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. Pet people looking for a little extra companionship during the holidays are in for a sweetheart of a deal. Farmington Regional Animal Shelter has partnered with the Bissell Pet Foundation to reduce adoption fees to $20 per pet, a quarter of the normal cost.

So it varies off of age, but puppies are up to $100 and adult dogs are up to $80, and then kittens are usually $70 and adult cats are usually $50. So it's quite a considerable discount, our reduced fee.

The low cost adoption fee includes spaying or neutering. The pets first set of vaccines, excluding rabies, a microchip and 30 days of free pet insurance. Bissell Pet Foundation has sponsored the Empty the Shelter event since 2016. It takes place at more than 230 shelters across the country, and in Canada.

You know we're just really excited that the Bissell Pet Foundation does this. It's such a help, and they do it across the country, so it's not just here. And it kind of gives you a sense of belonging throughout the nation and knowing that other shelters are doing this at the same time. So it kind of generates some excitement, which is really cool to be a part of. And then, you know, the animals, I think they get the same sense that we do around the holidays, that there's something special in the air. And that's why we really push this time of year to try and find them homes, whether it's through adoption sales or, or whatever else, but it's just, it makes us feel so good when we have those animals in homes by the time the holidays come around, and it makes us feel better.

This is the second time this year, the Farmington Shelter has participated in Bissells Reduced Fee Adoption event. The last event was held in May when adoption fees were only $5. That found 21 cats, 55 dogs and one rabbit a new home. Though the fees are a little higher this time. Voss is hoping the event will have just as positive an outcome.

This area just suffers with an overpopulation problem. So, it's a struggle most days just to find the room, but then when we find the room, and we do events like this, and the public comes out, it just, it just kind of renews your spirit, and you're able to find animals home and make a difference. And that's what keeps me going.

If you can't adopt? Donate. Every pet needs a home. go to fmtn.org/animalshelter for more details. Thanks for watching this edition of the Local News Network. I'm Wendy Graham Settle.

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