The Humane Society of Harford County Waiving Adoption Fees to Help Find Pets Homes and Reduce Shelter Overpopulation
For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Long
Humane Society of Harford County
410-836-1090, x106
[email protected]
Fallston, MD (August 14, 2015) – Baltimore Animal Welfare Alliance members and friends are opening their doors wide this Saturday, August 15 as part of a one-day, nationwide pet adoption drive called “Clear the Shelters.” Adoption fees on all shelter pets will be waived with hopes that every animal will find a loving, permanent home. Participating shelters include: Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), Baltimore Humane Society, and the Maryland SPCA as well as Baltimore County Animal Services and The Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC).
“Almost 8 million pets enter animal shelters in the United States each year,” said Nichole Miller, director of operations at the Maryland SPCA. “We’re very excited to join forces with other local shelters and shelters all across the county to help find homes for thousands of pets this Saturday.”
“Most pets enter animal shelters because of no fault of their own,” explained Jennifer Brause, executive director at Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS). “Very often a pet is surrendered to a shelter because the owner falls ill or loses his job. You can find a wonderful, furry family member at your local shelter.”
HSHC will be open from 10am until 5pm on Saturday. Interested adopters can view the animals’ photos and biographies and the adoption application process can be started ahead of time by clicking here. As part of the adoption process, families should be prepared to bring their resident dog(s) for a “meet and greet” if they are considering adopting another dog.
HSHC’s adoption fee includes a rabies vaccination (if the animal is at least 4 months old), the first set of distemper shots, de-wormer, flea & tick preventative, feline leukemia and feline AIDS testing, a canine influenza shot, a microchip for identification purposes, and a general health exam. There is an additional $50 deposit for a HASP (Harford Animal Sterilization Program) certificate so the animal can be spayed or neutered. That fee is refunded upon completion of the procedure within 60 days.
Regular adoption procedures apply at each participating shelter. Locations and hours of operation are as follows:
Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS)
301 Stockholm St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(Open Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Baltimore County Animal Services
13800 Manor Rd.
Baldwin, MD 21013
(Open Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Baltimore Humane Society
1601 Nicodemus Rd.
Reisterstown, MD 21136
(Open Saturday 12 noon to 6 p.m.)
Maryland SPCA
3300 Falls Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21211
(Open Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. MD SPCA’s satellite adoption center, Project Adopt, located in White Marsh Mall is open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
About “Clear the Shelters”
“Clear the Shelters” is a first-of-its-kind nationwide pet adoption drive sponsored by Overstock.com, Inc. and NBC Universal Owned Television Stations. http://www.cleartheshelters.com/
About the Humane Society of Harford County
The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 4,500 animals that come to us each year. We promote the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education. We are not a county agency nor are we affiliated with any national or regional organization. Your tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events are crucial to our life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals of our community.