Mobile County Animal Shelter is giving would-be pet owners an extra incentive to open their homes this December, offering reduced adoption fees for the entire month as part of its annual “Home for the Howlidays” push.
Through the end of December, dogs can be adopted for $65, cats for $50, and pets that have already been spayed or neutered for as little as $25. Shelter staff say the discount is meant to encourage families who have been considering a pet to take the leap during the holiday season, when many households are already thinking about welcoming a new member.
Among the animals hoping to catch someone’s eye is Chrissie, a redbone hound mix believed to be just over a year old. Chrissie was brought to the shelter after being found wandering the streets of Chunchula for months without an owner. Staff describe her as playful, friendly and eager for attention, noting that she gets along well with other animals and would likely thrive in an active household.
Chrissie is just one of dozens of adoptable pets currently available at the shelter, which is located at 7665 Howells Ferry Road. The facility encourages anyone interested in adopting to visit in person, since animals are added and adopted regularly throughout the season. A full, updated list of adoptable animals can also be viewed online at the shelter’s website, mobilecountyanimals.com.
Animal shelters across the country typically see a mix of increased interest and increased strain during the holidays, as some families look to adopt a pet as a gift while others surrender animals ahead of travel or due to financial pressures tied to the season. Reduced-fee adoption events like this one are a common strategy shelters use to move more animals into permanent homes and free up space and resources for animals still waiting to be adopted.
Shelter officials are encouraging residents thinking about adding a pet to their family to consider adoption rather than purchasing an animal, noting that the discounted fees typically include vaccinations and other basic veterinary care that would otherwise add significantly to the cost of bringing home a new pet.
Anyone with questions about the holiday adoption event, available animals or the adoption process can call the shelter directly at 574-3647. The shelter’s staff say they are hopeful the discounted fees will help clear kennels of long-term residents like Chrissie before the new year.