Animal shelter waives adoption fees Wednesday to help clear kennel space

By Kyle Schmidt

Many St. Joseph families grew by a few paws on Wednesday, as people came out to the shelter for its fee-waived adoption special to help combat overcrowding in the kennels.

The Friends of the Animal Shelter sponsored adoption fees on Wednesday only, meaning community members could pick out a pet for $0.

Animal care specialist Aubrey Silvey was happy to say people were lined up out the door waiting for the shelter to open Wednesday morning.

“Before we even open up the doors, we had a crowd of people outside waiting to come in and check out some pets,” Silvey said. “We’ve had a constant stream of people all day so far. So we’re doing a lot of adoptions, which is good. Looks like we’re going to clear some space, which helps us bring in more pets in need.”

Most of the adoptions in the first hour of the special were kittens and puppies, but some St. Joseph residents were looking for the older dogs.

“I liked the Mastiff, he’s really nice because he’s quiet,” Robert Bonner said. “He doesn’t pull too hard for being so big and that’s what I’m looking for.”

With only three total workers, the Friends of the Animal Shelter helped out in a big way.

“We’ve got some really awesome dedicated volunteers here today,” Silvey said. “Showing cats and kittens and puppies and really helping us out.”

People who showed up were able to pick out exactly what they wanted, and if ready, took the pet home that day.

“Just get it on paper and go,” Silvey said. “Fully-vetted animal, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, all the good stuff.”

News-Press NOW will continue to highlight animals at the shelter in our weekly Pet Pals segment.