Scratching those fees: Huntsville Animal Services making adoption easier

HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville is going to the dogs.

Or, rather, Huntsville Animal Services is hoping the dogs go to you.

To help celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, the agency is waiving adoption fees for most adult pets through May 14.

This special event allows residents to open their hearts and homes to a shelter pet in need while helping the shelter reduce overcrowding.

“Every pet deserves a loving home, and National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is the perfect reminder of how life-changing adoption can be,” said John Fischer, director of Huntsville Animal Services. “By waiving fees for most adult pets, we hope more families will take advantage of this opportunity to find their perfect companion.”

For those unable to adopt a pet, there are other ways to support Huntsville Animal Services, including fostering, volunteering and donating supplies to those in the foster-to-rehome program.

For Animal Services volunteer Elizabeth Gillie, fostering has been a bright spot in both her and her family’s lives.

“Animals have always been a part of my life. I’ve been a pet parent and volunteered for local shelters for decades,” said Gillie, a member of the Advisory Committee. “However, becoming a foster has given me a new appreciation for how critical community outreach and education are in animal rescue.

“It takes a village to save the lives of our four-legged friends.”

While adoption fees have been waived, some exclusions apply. Adoptions include up-to-date vaccinations, a microchip for pet identification, spay or neuter surgery, a City license and a free bag of dry pet food while supplies last.

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

A full list of available pets can be found here. Animal Services is open Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.