In response to overcrowding, Hot Springs Animal Services is hosting a half-price adoption drive until Feb. 1 in an attempt to save animals that would otherwise be euthanized.
According to Michelle Stone, office manager and coordinator for animal services, more than 60 animals are currently housed in the shelter, including dogs and cats of all ages and a 200-pound pot belly pig.
Animal services representatives said they hope around 10 to 15 animals can find homes each week through the end of the drive on Feb. 1.
Dogs will be available for adoption for $27.50 and cats for $17.50. Funds collected from the adoption fees go toward getting the animals spayed or neutered and inserting a microchip.
"We can get anywhere from one to two or 10 animals each day. Sometimes people bring them in, other times they are strays we pick up. It just depends on the day," Stone said.
Each dog adopted from the shelter has been given at least one round of shots to prevent parvo, distemper and kennel cough. Cats adopted from the shelter do not receive any shots.
"The hardest animals for us to adopt out are black dogs and older cats," she said.
Stone says she encourages anyone adopting an animal from the shelter to visit their veterinarian for a checkup and rabies shot as soon as possible.
Although they work to ensure each animal finds a loving home, overcrowding often results in euthanasia. This is the first adoption drive of its kind the shelter has held at the shelter, and Stone says she hopes it beats all expectations.
"We are really trying to avoid euthanizing anyone in the shelter. We want to do everything possible to get them out our doors and into the arms of a loving family," she said.
Local on 01/11/2018