Brandywine Valley SPCA's mega adoption event is this weekend. Here's what you need to know

The Brandywine Valley SPCA's annual mega adoption event is back this year with a few notable changes.

It's the largest such event in the country, according to Brandywine Valley, adopting out nearly 7,500 animals over the past few years.

"Our mega adoption event helps increase lives saved during a time of year when many families are thinking of adding a pet," said spokeswoman Linda Torelli.

This year, hundreds of dogs and cats will be available to take home for a low $35 adoption fee Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5, from 11 a.m. to 5. p.m.

Unlike in past years, the same-day adoptions won't take place in a large warehouse-like space, like the University of Delaware's Bob Carpenter Sports Convocation Center or at the Delaware State Fairgrounds, but at each of Brandywine Valley's five locations in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Many attended the The Brandywine Valley SPCA sixth Mega Adoption event in hope of adopting a pet Saturday. June, 29, 2019, at The Bob Carpenter Sports Convocation Center in Newark, DE.
Many attended the The Brandywine Valley SPCA sixth Mega Adoption event in hope of adopting a pet Saturday. June, 29, 2019, at The Bob Carpenter Sports Convocation Center in Newark, DE.

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That means fewer pets will be available than in previous years, about 500 compared to 1,000.

COVID-19 safety considerations were the main reason for the change, according to Torelli.

"The upside is that more people across our service areas can access the event," she said.

The $35 adoption fee is non-refundable. It includes the pet's spay or neuter, vaccinations, microchip and a free post-adoption check-up.

All major credit cards are accepted. No cash.

Bring a collar and leash if you plan to adopt a dog, or a cat carrier if you plan to adopt a cat. These items will be available to purchase, as well.

You should also bring any dogs that are already part of the family so they can meet potential adoptees.

Hundreds of dogs were available for adoption at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark on the first day of the Brandywine Valley SPCA's biannual mega adoption event in 2019.
Hundreds of dogs were available for adoption at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark on the first day of the Brandywine Valley SPCA's biannual mega adoption event in 2019.

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Brandywine Valley SPCA's locations include:

  • 600 South St.
    New Castle, DE 19720
    302-516-1000

  • 1757 Horsepond Road
    Dover, DE 19901
    302-601-7000

  • 22918 Dupont Blvd.
    Georgetown, DE 19947
    302-858-4203

  • 1212 Phoenixville Pike
    West Chester, PA 19380
    484-302-0865

  • PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center
    2100 Chemical Road
    Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
    610-567-2933

Brandywine Valley's mega adoption events have drawn criticism in the past from people who believe low fees and same-day adoptions put animals in "bad" homes.

"Holding such a big event helps us raise awareness for adoption and reach people who are thinking of adding a cat or dog to their family but might not have considered adopting," Torelli said. "The lower adoption fee also encourages families who have been considering adopting to do so now."

Many attended The Brandywine Valley SPCA sixth annual Mega Adoption event in hope of adopting a pet Saturday. June, 29, 2019, at The Bob Carpenter Sports Convocation Center in Newark, DE.
Many attended The Brandywine Valley SPCA sixth annual Mega Adoption event in hope of adopting a pet Saturday. June, 29, 2019, at The Bob Carpenter Sports Convocation Center in Newark, DE.

Brandywine Valley's website says mega events utilize an "open adoption" philosophy, which "focuses more on finding the right home for animals as individuals rather than adhering to strict adoption policies and unnecessary paperwork."

"All major national organizations working toward no-kill communities" recommend this approach, according to Brandywine Valley.

They point out that potential adopters are screened at the event and they reserve the right to decline any adoption.

There's also concern about the health of animals adopted from mega events. There was a parvovirus outbreak in 2018 in which at least one dog died.

Though Brandywine Valley does its best to adopt out only healthy animals, the website says, it's inevitable that some will not show symptoms of illness until after they go to their new homes.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Brandywine Valley SPCA mega adoption event: What to know