If you've been considering adopting a dog, now is the perfect time.
With the Windsor/Essex Humane Society nearing capacity for canines, they've decided to hold a summer adoption event.
From July 6-8, all dogs available for adoption that are either over 100lbs, over four years old, or have been at the shelter more than 30 days will be free to adopt. All other dogs will have their adoption fees reduced by 50 per cent.
There are currently around 15 dogs available for adoption.
In the first half of 2023, the number of dogs surrendered at the shelter increased by 62 per cent, and stray dog intake jumped by 42 per cent.
"I think there's an assumption that maybe people got dogs in the last three years, and maybe some people didn't make the best choices about the dogs they were taking in. But all of that is speculation," said Melanie Coulter, executive director at the Windsor/Essex.
Coulter indicated while the intake is up, these are not dogs previously adopted at the shelter.
"Our return rates are actually down from last year. These aren't dogs that originated at the humane society, but definitely over the last few years, there were a lot of places that people were purchasing or obtaining dogs, and those seem to be the ones that are coming in," said Coulter.
For the duration of the event, all dog adoption applications will be accepted in person only.
Even at these steeply discounted adoption rates, all adopted dogs come with spay/neuter surgery, microchipped, age-appropriate vaccines, heartworm tests, parasite treatment, and two sessions with the humane society's behaviour team.
"We know that there's good homes out there. We know that there are people looking to adopt a dog. We're just hoping this promo will be the nudge they need to adopt right now," said Coulter.
