The City of Lubbock Animal Shelter adoption Center is filled with families this week looking to adopt a pet.
Through March 2, the center is offering free adoptions, including the spay or neuter procedure, first set of vaccinations, microchip implant and registration, said Kia Riemath, Animal Services assistant director.
“We wanted to increase our live release rate and show the public we are really striving to get the euthanization numbers down and the live release rates way up there,” She said.
Already 13 animals have been adopted and 23 applications are pending landlord approval to be taken home. If the shelter has not yet neutered or spayed an animal, due to time constraints, Riemath said they provided a voucher to owners to take to a vet within 30 days.
This event is great because it reduces the costs associated with adopting a pet, which can be expensive, said Elise Pinkerton, a woman looking to adopt a pet for her friend in Abilene.
“I honestly believe adopting from these shelters is really important. It’s where I get all my dogs from. I know all these animals need homes,” said Pinkerton.
While the adoption event has been a success, making events like this happen more regularly “isn’t going to happen overnight,” said Riemath.
The shelter is planning more programs like the “Barn Camp Program” and the “Farrell Calling Program.” Officials are reaching out for more grants and funding to begin, she said.
Another upcoming adoption opportunity is a half-priced adoption event March 19-23. There will also be microchip clinics in the near future.
For more information, call City of Lubbock Animal Services at 806-775-2057.
