COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — If you’ve been thinking about getting a pet, now might be a good time to check out the furry friends at Columbia Animal Services.
Their annual event, called “Clear the Shelters,” began on August 10 and offers free adoptions through September 10.
Ten-month-old “Tweety” is one of around 130 adorable dogs and puppies – and over twenty cute cats and kittens – available for adoption.
Animal technician Brandon Fancy says this is the 10-year anniversary of the shelter’s initiative and they hope to achieve more adoptions than ever before.
“We will discuss with you what kind of home you want and try to find one for you as best as possible. All you need is a valid ID and you must be at least 18 years old. As I said, we waive all adoption fees,” he explains.
As part of your adoption, you will receive care packages containing a bag of food, a measuring cup and vouchers as part of the ongoing Hill’s program.
Fancy hopes that everyone will consider adoption before purchasing a dog from breeders, pet stores or puppy mills.
“The common misconception associated with adopting from a shelter is that these are unwanted animals. These are clearly the sweetest animals you will ever see. They have the sweetest hearts. And if just six percent of people who want to buy an animal chose to adopt, we would completely end the killing of animals in shelters,” he says.
Part of the event will also be to remind pet owners who no longer want their animals that the shelter is a last resort and to inform them about the Home-to-Home program.
“And that’s part of changing people’s mindsets, explaining to them that the shelter isn’t just there when you can no longer care for the animal. You’ve taken on responsibility for the animal and we want to continue that by helping you find a new home and finding a suitable home for your current pet when you no longer want to have a pet of your own,” says Fancy.
If you would like to make a donation or adopt a pet, you can visit Columbia Animal Services (located just off Shop Road) at 127 Humane Lane.
