Just in time for Thursday’s International Cat Day, several DC area animal rescues have waived their adoption fees for cats (and dogs) this month. Summer is often a shelter’s busiest time of year, so if you’re considering bringing home a new furry friend, it’s a good time to look.
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Every dog has his day—and, in Alexandria this August, it’s time for the big dogs to shine. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is waiving adoption fees (which usually range from $150 to $350, depending on age) for all pooches who weigh over 40 pounds, the shelter announced on its Facebook. New owners of these big dogs—already vaccinated spayed or neutered, and microchipped—also get a free large doggie bed, while supplies last.
Humane Rescue Alliance
71 Oglethorpe St., NW; 1201 New York Ave., NE
DC’s Humane Rescue Alliance is waiving adoption fees (typically $75 to $250) through Sunday, August 11. With locations in Ivy City and Manor Park—the former only handles dog adoptions—you only need a state-issued ID to adopt. Walk-ins are welcome and a “test drive” program allows you to take a dog home for a week-long trial period before committing to a full adoption. All adoptions are first come, first serve.
Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center
8676 Davis Rd., Columbia
This Columbia shelter is waiving all adoption fees throughout August, to go with the Baltimore Animal Welfare Alliance’s goal of adopting out 3,000 shelter pets statewide during the month. They’ve got options, too, with everything from dogs and cats to guinea pigs and a turtle named Myrtle available on the agency’s Petfinder.
Prince George’s County Animal Shelter
3750 Brown Station Rd., Upper Marlboro
Not to be outdone by its neighbors to the north, the Prince George’s County Animal Services Division is also waiving all pet adoption fees for the month of August, regardless of species. The Upper Marlboro shelter requires prospective pet parents to bring a completed and printed-out application to the adoption, with one application per animal.
