San Diego County Animal Services said Friday that it will begin waiving animal adoption fees next weekend as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign.
Animals available include cats, dogs, guinea pigs, kittens, pigs, rabbits, roosters and tortoises. In 2024, the Clear the Shelters campaign “is celebrating a decade of helping pets find homes,” surpassing 1 million adoptions last September, according to the county.
The month-long campaign will begin Aug. 10 and last through Sept. 10.
Steve Lujan, Animal Services’ interim director, said the county participates in Clear the Shelters “because it’s an important opportunity to find our wonderful animals a wonderful forever home.”
“Helping pair animals and people is one of our highest priorities,” Lujan added. The county permanently waives adoption fees for senior adopters, older animals and those that have been waiting for a “forever home” for 30 days or more.
Walk-in hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at the county’s South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita, or the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad.
Because of high demand during Clear the Shelters, Animal Services staff recommends that residents have a second and third choice, just in case their first already has been adopted, according to the county.
People who cannot adopt may participate in the county’s fostering program.
– City News Service
