If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your life, consider one of our fabulous felines like Jessie, Damsel, or Joplin. Or one of our devoted dogs like Millie. They’re all at San Diego County Department of Animal Services shelters in Bonita or Carlsbad. And it won’t cost you a thing to take them home this Saturday, Aug. 17, for Clear the Shelters Day.
County Animal Services waives adoption fees for all dogs, cats and rabbits annually on Clear the Shelters Day, held in locations around the country. All the adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, and microchipped before they go home. Vaccinations will also be up to date on dogs and cats.
“People still need to go through the normal adoption process of filling out an application and doing a screening interview with staff. We just want to make sure their new owners are prepared and committed to an animal,” County Animal Services Director Daniel DeSousa said. “While animals are with us, our staff provides for all their needs, but we all know a shelter is no substitute for a loving, forever home.”
Meet some of our lovable pets.
Jessie (A1851713) is a 5-year-old spayed tan and brown tabby, who has been at the Carlsbad shelter for nearly a year. She was surrendered by her owner who lost their home and could not take Jessie to a new residence. Shelter staff say Jessie is a little shy and slow to warm up to people, but once she does, she is affectionate.
Consider Joplin (A1857719), a spayed 3-year-old mostly white calico with black and orange spots and has been at the Carlsbad shelter for three months. Staff describe her as very playful. She has a special love for toys that whiz by her that she can chase.
Please also consider Damsel, a 14-year-old Bengal female (A1850679) who would probably prefer a quiet, adult home. Damsel loves attention, treats and being brushed. She is still available and looking for a loving family to call her own.
Perhaps you’re a dog person. Then how about Millie, an 8-year-old black and white pit bull (A1856047) who has been at the Carlsbad shelter more than 200 days. She was running loose in the Tecate area for two weeks before she was rescued by Animal Services. Millie gets along well with other big dogs but doesn’t care for smaller ones.
If you’d like to see all the animals, stop by the shelter or visit the adoptions page. If you absolutely fall in love with one, don’t wait. The adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis so if you see an adoptable animal that you really like, Animal Services recommends you come to the shelter prior to Clear the Shelters Day and adopt the animal. Normal adoption fees are: Kittens under the age of 6 months are $75; Cats are $65; Puppies under the age of 6 months are $100; and dogs are $75.
Clear the Shelters is part of a campaign by NBC-owned television stations and Telemundo to find loving homes for the millions of pets who end up in the nation’s shelters each year. Cities across the country take part in the event. More than 258,350 pets have been adopted on Clear the Shelters Day since 2015.
Several local shelters take part as well. At the County’s shelters, 81 animals found homes during the 2018 drive: 48 from the shelter in Bonita and 33 from the shelter in Carlsbad. More specifically, 33 dogs, 46 cats and two rabbits were adopted.
Currently, more than 180 animals are available at the County’s two animal care facilities located in Bonita and Carlsbad.
If you prefer to come out on Clear the Shelters Day, the County animal facilities will have the free offer in effect their full operating hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To speed up the process, go online, download the adoption application and fill it out at home. Renters should also bring a copy of their lease to show it’s OK to have a pet at their home.
“You may want to consider several animals in case one is adopted before it’s your turn,” DeSousa said. “Don’t forget, there will likely be a wait. Last year, 993 showed up at both our shelters, so bring your patience, some water and protection from the sun. Each adoption could take a couple of hours not including time spent in line.”
For more information about County Animal Services, visit sddac.com or call 619-767-2675.