Berks Animal Rescue League offers pay-what-you-can adoptions

Aug. 15—The Animal Rescue League of Berks County is inviting people to pay what they can to adopt animals Tuesday through Sunday. Officials said the move is in response to the high volume of animals at the Cumru Township shelter.

The special adoption event will include all animals over 6 months old. The shelter is open every day this week except Thursday.

All adopters must go through the ARL's regular procedures to adopt, including the completion of an adoption profile and speaking with an adoption counselor to ensure that the pet they select is a good match for their home, family and lifestyle, shelter officials said.

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

The ARL will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. (waiting list closes at 6:30) and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. (waiting list closes at 4:30). 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 be notified by text when it's their turn to work with an adoption counselor. Masks are encouraged.

For more information, contact the ARL at adoption@berksarl.org.