Louisville Shelter Offers Free Adoption for Prospective Fur Parents

Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) is offering free adoption until Monday, July 11, to reduce kennel capacity and to accommodate new animals brought in each day.

Adopters will receive a free bag of dog food, as well as a $25 gift certificate from Feeders Pet Supply, in addition to the free pet adoption.

On Wednesday, the Netter family dropped by the Animal House Adoption Center at LMAS in search of a new member. The family's first encounter with a dog was with Oakley, a black Labrador retriever.

Free Therapy

Raymond Netter, a 12-year-old boy said he wants a dog he can play with and wishes to have a pet that can sleep on the same bed he does. To his mom, Michele Netter, having a dog is like free therapy.

Adopting a pet is currently free at the Animal House Adoption Center. Normal day costs put cats under six months old at $100 while dogs under 40 pounds at $150. Plus, there is a $10 licensing fee if the adoptee lives in Jefferson County.

Interim Director of Louisville Metro Animal Services Ashley Book told Spectrum News the city's shelter is at maximum capacity leading into the Fourth of July weekend since there was only one kennel available last Thursday.

Book took pride in the fact that the shelter has been a no-kill facility for five years now. To keep that status, the shelter called on people to foster animals or adopt them, offering a free adoption promotion, to try to prevent euthanization.

Michelle said that the fact that the shelter was trying not to lose its no-kill status, really pulled on her heart.

Book said that they processed 76 adoptions over the weekend.

However, even though a lot of pets found new homes over the weekend, new ones arrive every day.

Free Adoption and Waived Redemption Fees

In a press release last week, LMAS stated that as the city's only open-admission shelter for stray animals, LMAS has taken in 850 more animals this year compared to last year.

Book told Spectrum News that while 76 pets were adopted over the Fourth of July weekend, there were also 60 new arrivals. The shelter took in 22 new arrivals on Tuesday this week. The book explained that full shelters aren't just a Louisville problem, but a Kentucky and nationwide one, too.

Adopting a pet is already a rewarding and priceless experience and getting a pet for free just enhances the experience.

Michele says that everyone needs some furry therapy, and for those who can't afford it, it's well worth it to come to the shelter.

Pet redemption costs are also waived by LMAS until Monday, July 11. Book said a lot of pets go missing around the Fourth of July because fireworks anxiety can cause them to escape.

Eligible pet owners for waived redemption fees should have no previous violations, and cover licensing, microchipping, and vaccination fees. Court fees will not be waived. LMAS will work with owners who have outstanding balances and want to reclaim their pets. Impounded pets can be claimed Monday thru Saturday.

After the free adoptions end on July 11, LMAS will still offer its free adoptions for cats over 6 months old and dogs over 40 pounds.