The Lawrence Humane Society matched 131 dogs and cats with furever families Saturday during Clear the Shelter Day, and the shelter is continuing to waive adoption fees on Sunday.
The annual initiative takes place at shelters nationwide. Here in Lawrence, 60 dogs and 71 cats found new homes Saturday.
Additionally, 13 of 26 dogs whose fees were waived in the weeks leading up to the big day also found homes, Elina Alterman, a spokesperson for the Lawrence Humane Society, said via email Sunday morning. Those lucky dogs include Peanut, Mayday, Carlton, Blueberry, Gizmo, Queen Charlotte, Starling, Spencer, Bryton, Iris, Rover, Agnes and Bella Rue.
The shelter is open for adoptions from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1805 E. 19th St.
Waived fees extend to the adoptable cats at Petco and both Petsmart locations in Lawrence, as well, Alterman said.
“We have SO many amazing animals still available for adoption!” she said via email. “We have cats and kittens, adult dogs and puppies, big dogs and small dogs … we truly have such a variety still! If there are folks out there who wanted to adopt, but yesterday’s event was a bit too much for them, they should absolutely come in today.”
Alterman said because of how hectic Saturday was, the shelter wasn’t able to facilitate dog meets between shelter dogs and potential adopters’ dogs to make sure they’ll get along. They will be able to do that on Sunday, she said.
Every animal that is adopted goes home spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated and dewormed, and microchipped, along with a collar, leash, and starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet pet food, according to the humane society.
Typically, adoption fees for adult dogs are approximately $150; puppies, $300; adult cats, $60; and kittens, $125.
Alterman said she’s seen a lot of comments on social media concerned about the welfare of animals adopted through this promotion. Folks think the animals are more likely to get returned or not be cared for properly just because their fees were waived.
“I just want to assure the community that that is not the case. We’ve been participating in Clear the Shelter for 10 years and we do not see a higher rate of adoption returns from this event,” Alterman said.
She said the humane society has gotten wonderful updates on a number of animals adopted Saturday and from those whose fees were waived over the last two weeks, and they get updates every year from folks who adopted during previous years’ events, “and all of these updates would warm anyone’s heart!”
“We really wish that folks would celebrate the adoptions and congratulate the adopters rather than cast judgment and assume the worst of those participating in this happy and exciting day,” she said. “Our adoption counselors work really hard to find great homes for all of the animals in our care and match adopters with the animals that are the best fit for their homes!”
Learn more on the humane society’s website, lawrencehumane.org.
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