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.

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.