Help 'Clear The Shelters' At Women's Animal Center In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —America's first animal shelter is joining others across the country Saturday to participate in a "Clear the Shelters" pet adoption event.

Women’s Animal Center is a participating animal shelter for this year’s NBCUniversal ‘Clear the Shelters’ nationwide pet adoption event that helps find loving forever homes for surrendered and stray animals in need.

Women’s Animal Center will reduce adoption fees by 50 percent for cats and dogs on Saturday during the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its shelter 3839 Richlieu Rd. in Bensalem Township.

Adoption fees for small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs are fully waived. Kittens, puppies and MVP animal fees will remain at regular prices.

All shelter pets adopted from Women’s Animal Center are spayed or neutered, receive preventative and lifesaving vaccines, and are microchipped which provides a permanent means of identification should a pet become separated from its new family.

The non-profit organization, founded in 1869 and recently celebrating the 154th anniversary of the animal sheltering and adoptions movement in America, encourages those interested in adopting a shelter pet to visit the center.

The benefits of giving a shelter pet a forever home are numerous. For potential adopters, it’s important to ask these questions:

• Know what you’re looking for in a pet. Do you want someone to join you on your daily run or someone who is going to take on more of a roommate role, such as an aloof cat? It’s important to know what you want, and what your expectations are for your new pet.
• Think about how this pet will fit into your lifestyle. Do you work long hours or regularly travel? No matter the type of pet, you’ll need to be able to care for them and meet their needs, so knowing whether you can do that consistently is key.
• Ask yourself if you can afford it. The costs for a pet don’t stop after the adoption fee. You will need to be prepared to pay for food, visits to the veterinarian, and accessories like collars, beds, and toys. So, knowing up front that there will be costs throughout the lifetime of your pet, will help you determine if this is something you want to take on.
• You’ll also need to consider things like whether your current housing will allow you to have a pet and if you or anyone who lives in your household has allergies.

If you ask yourself all these questions, and you’re ready to make a loving commitment that could bring you years of joy, then you’re ready for a pet.

Visit Women’s Animal Center’s website to view photos of adoptable shelter pets and to best prepare for adopting a shelter pet.