Antioch Animal Services is participating in a nationwide effort to clear their shelters by waiving adoption fees throughout July. Currently housing 187 animals, including approximately 50 cats and dogs available for adoption, the municipal shelter aims to alleviate the strain caused by economic hardship.
Cat Cottle, supervisor at Antioch Animal Services, noted a surge in surrendered and stray animals, attributing this increase to economic difficulties where many struggle to afford both their own and their pets‘ needs. This trend follows a surge in adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in many animals lacking proper training or suffering from separation anxiety as life returns to normal.
To support pet owners and curb surrenders, the shelter offers free pet food, vaccine clinics, and microchip services. A clinic, scheduled for Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Antioch Police Department, aims to provide essential services on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cottle emphasized the importance of matching pets with suitable owners based on lifestyle and personality, offering post-adoption support to ensure successful transitions. Additionally, the shelter seeks foster families to alleviate overcrowding, which currently forces many animals to share kennels and can lead to distress or euthanasia.
The free adoption initiative is made possible by sponsorship from the Bissell Pet Foundation, supporting shelters nationwide in their mission to find loving homes for pets in need. Founded by Cathy Bissell in 2016, the Empty the Shelters campaign aims to reduce shelter populations and increase adoption rates amid challenging times.
“We’re proud to see the impact of Empty the Shelters in helping shelters manage overcrowding and save lives,” Bissell commented, highlighting the campaign’s success in drawing community support to provide homes for shelter animals during difficult times.
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