Shelter waives adoption fees

MAT-SU -- If adopting a puppy, kitten, cat or dog has been on your mind, now may be the best time to do so. Mat-Su Borough Animal Care and Regulation Chief Officer Dave Allison said Friday the shelter is waiving the borough's adoption fee in hopes of reducing overcrowding at the shelter.

The shelter is not currently able to accept cats, Allison said, and only has limited space for dogs, due to a rise in stray and owner-release animals brought in.

"We're just overwhelmed," Allison said. As of Friday, 24 cats and 34 dogs were available for adoption at the shelter.

"We're so full with cats we're having to place them in dog traps and kennels," Allison said. "At this point, on cats, we just can't take any more."

While Allison said they're not yet turning away dogs, they do have a large number of puppies who need more nurturing than is available through the confines of the kennels. Although many of the puppies are paired up to provide companionship, it's a less than ideal situation.

To help reduce the overcrowding and find homes for some of the animals, Allison said he's waiving the $20 borough adoption fee, so cats at the shelter are currently available for $62.50 and dogs are available for $67.50. That amount includes a refundable $30 spay/neuter deposit. The deposit is refunded upon proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered. The cost of adoption, by borough code, also includes a $20 microchip to help track the animal in case it is ever lost, as well as rabies and other vaccinations. The fee waiver, Allison said, will continue through the close of business Tuesday.

For more information about the animals available for adoption, contact the shelter at 746-5500. The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter is located off 49th State Street -- take a right immediately before the landfill.