Harford County Shelter Bursting With Dogs, Adoption Fees Waived For Pups 1 Year & Older

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Adoption fees are being waived right now for dogs 1 year and older at the Humane Society of Harford County because all kennels are full.

The society noted that shelters across the country are coping with lower adoption rates and full kennels. Anyone interested in adopting a pet can pop by the humane society weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. to find their newest family member.

Fostering and foster-to-adopt options also are available.

“We are taking way more animals that we can adopt out and it’s mainly dogs,” Bob Citrullo, executive director of the Humane Society of Harford County, told WMAR. “Dogs are also staying in the shelter longer these days which is stressful for the animals as well as the staff and volunteers who care for them. More animals and longer stays also stress the shelter system because the longer they stay, the more they cost.”

Another program the shelter has reinstated is the Lonely Hearts Club. Designed to help decrease the length of stay for dogs who have been at the shelter for four months or more, the adoption package valued at $150 includes a free 32-pound bag of kibble as well as a 3-month supply of flea, tick and heartworm preventative.