With dozens of dogs still up for adoption, the Santa Clarita Valley Animal Care Center hosted its “Puppy Bloom” event, where adoption fees are waived to encourage more people to take pets home.
“With what you’re getting, you’re getting a spattered, neutered animal, micro chipped, vaccinated, licensed – all of that,” said Kelsey Tarleton, a Volunteer Coordinator.
“But times are hard and if we can least help reduce that cost even more to help that incentive of getting people in adopt, so that they have more money to spend on the supplies that they’re going to need. Just any way we can try to help.”
With shelters often facing overcrowding, events like this aim to remove financial barriers and increase the number of successful adoptions.
“Adopting is the most important thing you can do. We constantly have something coming in; there’s something new every day,” said Tarleton.
“Finding a shelter or a care center is the best option.”
Organizers say that while free adoptions can attract more potential pet owners, the goal is to ensure every animal is placed in a safe, permanent home.
“I mean, space in the home, maybe the behaviors of the animal. You need something that can fit with your lifestyle and your family,” said Tarleton.
“You never know what you’re going to find here, and we can find something to fit that.”
Organizers say that for those not ready to adopt, fostering or volunteering can also make a difference in helping shelter animals find a second chance.
