You can add a furry member to your family at no cost this weekend during the nationwide Clear the Shelters event on August 17 and 18.
The fifth annual event encourages potential pet owners to adopt from shelters and humane societies across the country. More than 1,400 shelters and rescues have already registered to be a part of this year’s festivities.
Here on the Central Coast, many local shelters are offering free adoptions and special deals to anyone who comes out and takes home an animal they love.
At the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, they are waiving the fee to adopt, which is typically around $100-200 dollars. All pets adopted will be spayed or neutered, as well as vaccinated, de-wormed, flea treated and microchipped. The first trip to the veterinarian will also be free of charge and new owners will go home with a complimentary bag of dog or cat food for their new pet.
Animal shelter officials will work with you and your family to find the best fit for your everyday lives and personalities.
"We will match you up with the best possible dog or best possible cat. We'll get to know you, your family, the other pets that you have at home and figure out who's gonna be the best for you," said Matt Chan, director of community engagement at the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society.
The Animal Shelter Assistance Program in Goleta is also hosting its own Clear the Shelters free adoption event over the weekend, where all cats and kittens will be waiting to find the perfect home.
All cats or kittens adopted from that event will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped free of charge.
Other local shelters participating in Clear the Shelters include:
- Homeless Animal Rescue Team
2638 Main St., Cambria
- MeowCo/SOX Rescue
1530 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo
- Santa Barbara County Animal Services – Santa Maria
548 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria
- Santa Barbara County Animal Services – Lompoc
1501 W. Central Ave., Lompoc
- Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society
111 Commerce Dr., Buellton
