The Animal Services Department of the City of Mobile has initiated a new incentive program for pet adopters and fosters.
During this weekend, May 4-5, all adoption fees will be waived for approved adopters.
Also, approved adopters will receive a free four-pound bag of Natural Balance food and a $100 gift card for any supplies needed for their shelter pet.
"So, if you've been thinking about bringing a dog home, this weekend is as good a time as any," said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson in his nightly email report to the city Thursday.
With an anticipated increase in adopters and fosters to take advantage of the incentives, the animal shelter will operate with expanded hours this weekend. On May 4 and 5, the animal shelter will be open for visits, adoptions and fostering appointments from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The incentive program and expanded hours this weekend were sparked by pressing capacity needs and a large influx of puppies.
"We would love to see the community come in and adopt some of these pets, but even temporary fostering makes a BIG impact. Fostering helps protect young puppies from communal illnesses and frees up space for other animals with greater needs," Stimpson said.
Further information is available at www.animalservicesmobile.com/.
The animal shelter is located at 855 Owens Street, Mobile. Except for this special weekend, hours are Monday through Friday, noon to four p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays except for this weekend.
No decision has been made regarding whether the incentives and extended hours could be continued after this special weekend.
Mobile's incentives program could serve as a model for other cities, many of which are facing capacity issues and cost overruns at local animal shelters.
Information on volunteering at the Mobile Animal Shelter is at Volunteer With Us (animalservicesmobile.com)
Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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