Gaston County animal shelter needs help clearing the shelter.
Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement is once again participating in Clear the Shelter day, and they have many furry friends from which to choose.
On Saturday, Aug. 19, all adoptions at the county’s shelter will be free.
For several years now, Gaston County Animal Care has participated in a national event during which shelters across the country attempt to “clear the shelter.”
Giving animals away for free can obviously come with some risks.
To mitigate those risks, and ensure that the fit is right for both the animal and the new family, the shelter will be working to pre-approve buyers that day.
They will also have staff in the interaction rooms to observe and ensure potential pet owners find the right animal for their lifestyle, according to adoption coordinator Elizabeth Henderson.
“Adoption definitely benefits the animals by getting them out of our building,” Henderson said.
Animals can get, “kennel stress” if they are confined in the kennels for extended periods of time, Henderson said.
“Many of our animals have been here more than 30 days,” she added, explaining that being an extended stay animal increases the probability of the animal developing kennel stress.
Though, adopting an animal is not just beneficial to the animal, according to Henderson.
“They need to be in loving homes,” Henderson said. “They bring companionship, love and joy. It’s 100% guaranteed to bring you more love in your home.”
The shelter has been at max capacity for months, according to Henderson.
She believes this year’s Clear the Shelter day will be the fullest the shelter has ever been for this event.
Shelter staff will attempt to find homes for roughly 186 cats and kittens, and 76 dogs this year, though numbers change hourly.
In addition to plenty of dogs and cats, the event will also have several local vendors, food trucks, prize give-aways, and a raffle.
Proceeds from the raffle ticket sales go back to the animals at the shelter, according to Henderson.
The animal shelter relocated in recent years, so the event will be held from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in their new building which is located at 1491 Business Park Court in Gastonia.
Henderson invites the whole community to attend the event whether they’re planning to adopt or not.
“Come out and join us and have a good time,” Henderson said.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston County animal shelter needs help clearing the shelter.
