Increased surrenders leads to decision for reduced adoption feesLuna, a sweet 3-year-old cat, has been waiting—now more than a month—for a family to welcome her into their home. She is one of the many homeless animals affected by increased pet relinquishments and longer shelter stays at the Dumb Friends League. Due to the concerning figures, the region’s largest animal welfare organization will launch a 15-week campaign to encourage more adoptions at their two shelter locations. Today through June 30, adoption fees will be reduced to $50 for all cats and dogs.
“There’s an endless stream of pets coming through our doors right now,” said Bob Rohde, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League. “Further, we have seen fewer adoptions during the past two months and some pets are actually waiting longer to find homes.”
Over an eight-month period, the shelters have experienced a 12 percent increase in the number of relinquished pets. An additional 1,570 animals have been surrendered compared to that same timeframe last year. There are more than 880 pets in the Dumb Friends League’s care right now. Last year the organization helped save 18,070 cats, dogs and other small pets. The organization hopes to exceed that number this year.
“For these reasons we have decided to take action with an adoption campaign, which we hope results in more pets going into loving homes,” said Rohde. “By adopting, people not only give a homeless pet a second chance at happiness, they welcome more love and companionship into their own lives.”
The campaign not only highlights the discounted adoption fees, it also highlights the benefits of adopting in a creative way—urging adopters to find a $50 home entertainment system, personal trainer, deluxe vacuum cleaner or life coach at one of the Dumb Friends League shelters.
There are more than 350 pets available for adoption at the Dumb Friends League on any given day, with cats and dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds and temperament. All feline and canine adoption fees include spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip ID implant and a free office visit with a participating veterinarian. The $50 adoption fee applies to adult cats and dogs as well as kittens and puppies.
Interested adopters can view all pets in need of homes online at ddfl.org as well as visit the Dumb Friends Quebec Street shelter in Denver or the Buddy Center in Castle Rock.
For more information and to view the adoption advertising campaign, visit ddfl.org/adoption-campaign or call (303) 751-5772.
