SACRAMENTO – Saturday is a chance to pick up a new pet for free as animal shelters across California participate in a new effort to help alleviate overpopulation.
Adelynn Bayne gets a new furry friend from Sacramento’s Front Street Animal Shelter.
“I wish I could take them all home,” Bayne said. “I have such a love in my heart for animals.”
Bayne’s new furry friend, Charlie, is in luck, but others like Phineas and Bentley are still looking for a forever home.
Adopting all of these animals will be free on Saturday as part of a unique statewide effort called Adopt-a-Pet Day.
More than 150 shelters will participate. It comes at a time when many shelters are struggling with overcrowding.
“We have 99 kennels for dogs and we currently have 150 dogs,” said Johanna Crystal of Front Street.
Some animals are seized in criminal cases. The Stanislaus County Shelter just had three consecutive hoarding cases and is currently 90 dogs over capacity.
Overcrowding can also contribute to higher euthanasia rates.
“There are tough decisions that have to be made, but that’s why events like this help because it helps make room for every animal,” Crystal said.
For those who aren’t sure about adopting pets or can’t have pets in their home, some shelters offer a Doggie Day Out program, where people can pick up a puppy for a few hours and return it at the end of the day. day.
“Sometimes they take them out for puppy cups or picnics, even to run errands with them, so it gives them a break from the shelter,” Crystal said.
Whether for a day or for life, there are many cute animals to choose from.
“This is a really good opportunity to come to the shelter and see what’s available,” Crystal said.
All pets are sterilized or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
