Animal Rescue League of Berks County holding special adoption event

David Mowery, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Nov. 11—Animal Rescue League of Berks County officials said they are conducting a pay-what-you-can special adoption program because of the large number of animals at the shelter.

The special program begins today and continues through Sunday at the shelter, 58 Kennel Road, Cumru Township.

"We are at critical capacity at the moment, which is not normal for this time of the year, and we hope that this event will help us find good homes for the animals while giving us the space we desperately need," José Joel Delgado-Rivera, chief communications officer, said in a release. "Currently, we have 195 cats and kittens at the shelter, although our capacity for care is only 125.

"In addition to these cats, we have 40 dogs and five cases of cat collectors (hoarders) that range between 25 to 100 cats per case waiting to come into the shelter."

The special adoption event will include all animals over 6 months old.

All adopters must go through the league's regular procedure, including completing an adoption profile and speaking with an adoption counselor to ensure the pet they select is a good match for their home, family and lifestyle.

Adopters are encouraged to bring their family members to meet their new pet at the time of adoption and to bring their dogs to meet other dogs at the shelter. Dog adopters will also need to bring cash or a check for a $7 dog license, which is required at the time of adoption under state law.

Adopters will also want to bring a cat carrier — or they can purchase one from the ARL for $5 — and a dog collar and leash — or they can purchase one from the ARL.

The shelter will be open today from 1 to 6:30 p.m., with the waitlist closing at 6 p.m.

Hours Saturday and Sunday are 1 to 5 p.m., with the waitlist closing at 4:30 p.m.

No appointments are necessary. A virtual line is set up at www.berksarl.org/hello where guests can check in when they arrive at the shelter. All guests will be able to check their place in line and will be notified by text when it's their turn to work with an adoption counselor. At this time, masks are encouraged.

For more information and to view all the available pets, go to www.berksarl.org/pets