Half-Price Deal Results In Record Number Of Pet Adoptions

A record number of dogs and cats found homes during a discount adoption fair organized by the city and a nonprofit shelter.

The executive director of the Humane Society of El Paso told ABC-7 that 557 pets were adopted from that shelter and the city’s Animal Services Center from June 1 to June 17.

During that time frame, pets from both shelters were available for $50, half the price normally required to adopt.

Animal Services officials asked the Humane Society to join them in creating the adoption drive to alleviate overcrowding. At the time, the city shelter was housing more than 500 animals in a facility that had a max capacity of 250.

While the drive successfully lowered the number of pets in the shelters, it would take a change in mentality to truly alleviate overcrowding.

“We see everyday people bringing in litters of puppies and kitties and saying, ‘I can’t take care of them,'” said Betty Hoover, the Humane Society executive director.

“Think about the fact that if the mamas and the papas were spayed and neutered, those litters wouldn’t be coming in here.”

It costs $100 to adopt from both shelters normally. Hoover said the shelter often offers discounts throughout the year.