Huntsville Animal Services celebrates Clear the Shelters Month with events and waived adoption fees

HUNTSVILLE – Dog gone.

And, cats gone, too, if Huntsville Animal Services has its way next month.

The local shelter is celebrating National Clear the Shelters Month in August by hosting special adoption events, offering waived adoption fees, and promoting volunteer opportunities to help every animal find a loving home.

“We’re proud to celebrate the Clear the Shelters month,” said Huntsville Animal Services Director John Fischer. “This incredible initiative helps shine a light on the need for pet adoption and support. August is the perfect time to open your heart and home to an animal in need.

“Whether you’re ready to adopt, can provide a short-term foster home or want to volunteer your time, we need your help to clear the shelter.”

• Adopt On the Spot: Foster Pet Adoption – Saturday, 5-7 p.m., Petsense, 2143 Winchester Road. Meet adoptable pets being fostered by local families. Foster parents will be on hand to introduce their animals, with support from Animal Services staff to finalize adoptions and answer questions.
• Waived adoption fees: Week of Aug. 11-16.
• Slumber Paw-ty Adoption Event: Aug. 15, 5-10 p.m., Huntsville Animal Services, 4950 Triana Blvd. Wear your pajamas and head to the shelter for our first annual night of fun and furry friends! Food trucks will be available, as well as hourly social media video challenges. Adoption fees for all animals will be waived during this event.
• Adopt On the Spot: Pop-Up Pet Adoption – Aug. 30, 5-7 p.m., Petsense, 2143 Winchester Road. Petsense will offer pop-up veterinary care, and Animal Services staff will be present to assist with the adoption process. Cash or checks will be accepted.

“This community has always been extremely generous with their support,” said Lauren Anders, Huntsville Animal Services Program Services supervisor. “We’ve had thousands of families who have opened their homes and hearts, and we have an amazing network of volunteers and foster parents.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks — we can’t do this without you.”

Now in its 10^th year, the nationwide Clear the Shelters program is presented by NBCUniversal Local and designed to encourage pet adoption, fostering and support for shelters. Since its inception, the effort has helped more than 1 million pets find their forever home.

A full list of available animals for adoption and fostering at Huntsville Animal Services can be found here.

Animal Services is open Mondays and Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For information, call 256-883-3782, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal, or visit their Facebook page.