Faced with an overstock of dogs and cats, six Silicon Valley animal shelters are offering pets for an adoption fee of $10 from Oct. 20 to 31.
“Right now all of the shelters in Santa Clara County are filled with animals searching for homes,” said Beth Ward, head of the WeCARE alliance -- which is offering the price reduction -- and COO of the Humane Society Silicon Valley.
The WeCare alliance is comprised of the Humane Society Silicon Valley, County of Santa Clara Animal Care and Control, City of Palo Alto Animal Care and Services, City of San Jose Animal Care and Services, Town Cats and Silicon Valley Animal Control.
The normal price of adoption -- which includes a complimentary spay and neuter, microchipping and vaccines at all of the shelters -- varies. At Humane Society Silicon Valley, it’s $175, said Ward.
The influx of animals is due to a breeding season that stretches from March to October. Ward urged pet owners to get their animals spayed or neutered in order to prevent extra unwanted pets.
Now the six shelters have around 500 dogs and cats looking for homes. The deal also includes the adoption of rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and various other types of animals.
“We want to make sure all animals are placed in homes,” said Ward, “and that there’s no pet left behind.”
