San Diego Humane Society Slashes Adoption Fees To 'Empty The Shelters'

SAN DIEGO, CA —San Diego Humane Society will slash adoption fees for adult dogs and cats as part of a national effort to boost adoptions, officials announced Thursday.

Adoption fees for adult dogs and cats 7 months and older will cost $50 from May 1-17, according to San Diego Humane Society. The promotion, tied to Bissell Pet Foundation's "Empty the Shelters" initiative, comes as the nonprofit reports rising demand and slowing adoptions.

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The organization is caring for about 20% more animals than this time last year, with dogs and cats staying in shelters roughly 30% longer.

As of Thursday, there are 1,585 animals in care, including 668 dogs and 777 cats, according to the organization. Dog capacity has exceeded normal limits, reaching 152% at the El Cajon campus, 155% at the Oceanside campus, 129% at the Escondido campus, and 150% at the San Diego campus.

One dog, Mullet, has been in the shelter for 505 days. Her adoption fee has been sponsored by a volunteer.

San Diego Humane Society officials urged residents consider adopting a pet. To increase access, the organization extended its adoption hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at all campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego.

Visit sdhumane.org/adopt for more information.