Arlington Animal Services works to increase adoptions amid busy year

By Office of Communication

Posted on July 31, 2012, July 31, 2012

A soaring number of incoming pets is squeezing space at the Arlington Animal Services (AAS) Center, but the city's efforts to place pets in foster and adoptive homes is paying off.

During spring and summer, the number of animals taken to the shelter typically increases dramatically with new litters of puppies and kittens. But this year's numbers have been higher than usual, said Chris Huff, manager for AAS.

Last May, the shelter reported 986 incoming dogs and cats. This year, that number jumped to 1,283. Adoptions rose, too, from 196 last May to 358 this year.

A bumper crop of puppy and kitten litters, coupled with a slow economy, are likely behind the influx in pets, Huff said.

"People move and can't afford or manage to take their pets with them," Huff said. "There are many reasons pets come here, but the economy definitely seems to be playing a role."

Arlington has sought to increase adoptions of dogs through bimonthly mobile adoptions events at PetSmart®, 203 E Interstate 20 East, which are held the second and fourth Saturday of every month.

In addition, more than two dozen volunteers have signed up as foster owners and step in temporarily when the shelter reaches capacity.

Every Friday through September 21, 2012, the city is offering half-price adoption fees for selected dogs and cats that are 90 percent or more black in color. Typically, adoption fees, which include spaying and neutering, are $100 for dogs and $90 for cats.

"We noticed the black animals were the slowest to be adopted," Huff said. "Our Rolling Blackout Friday specials have helped tremendously."

To help reduce the unwanted pet population, Arlington officials urge residents to take advantage of low-cost spaying and neutering clinics.

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection offers low-cost spaying and neutering at the Arlington shelter, 1000 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd. the second Friday of every month. Fees for dogs range from $55 to $85, depending on size. Cats cost up to $45.

Thanks to a grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, the city has spayed and neutered more than 250 pets in zip codes 76010 and 76011.

"Spaying and neutering our pets is one of the best things we can do for them," Huff said.

For information on spaying and neutering, adoption, or fostering an animal, call 817-459-5898, go to webapps.arlingtontx.gov/tmp/animals or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ArlingtonPets.