Mets ace Max Scherzer and his wife cover dog adoption fees at Morris County shelter

Adopting a dog from the St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison became 100% cheaper thanks to a generous contribution made by Mets pitcher Max Scherzer and his wife, Erica, a member of the board.

St. Hubert's announced that the Scherzers are covering adoption fees for all dogs that weigh over 30 pounds from June 6 through June 12. The cost to adopt a dog typically ranges from $350 to $375.

The announcement follows the shelter's initial promotion, "Name Your Own Adoption Fee Promotion for Dogs 30 Pounds and Over," which started on June 1 and allowed individuals to donate any amount to cover the adoption fee for large dogs. Thirteen dogs were adopted during that promotion.

Diane Ashton, director of communication at St. Hubert's, said when the Scherzers heard about the promotion the shelter was running, they reached out and offered to cover the cost.

“The Scherzers have kindly offered to cover the adoption fees for anybody who adopts a dog that is 30 pounds or more, which is wonderful,” Ashton said.

She added that there is no limit on how many large dogs can be adopted during this promotion. Seven dogs have been adopted since Monday with the help of the Mets' ace and his wife.

“Right now, the promotion is for all dogs over 30 pounds ‘cause that’s really the big need right now. We have about 40 dogs at our shelter at Madison that are available for adoption and most of those are big dogs, so we really want to find them homes,” Ashton said.

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According to Ashton, the shelter set a weight requirement because it wants to reduce the number of large dogs it houses. The majority of its dogs are large.

She added that it takes large dogs a little longer to find a home and as such, the shelter is grateful to the Scherzers for their donation.

Adoption counselors are available to assist individuals in finding the right dog for them .

When dogs are adopted from St. Hubert’s, they are sent home with a series of items, which include a new collar, a leash, a microchip, and food that they were accustomed to eating, in addition to spay, neuter and age-appropriate vaccinations.

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St. Hubert’s is home to over 40 dogs ranging from 2 months old to over 13 years old. Bella Jas, a female spaniel, American Cocker is the eldest dog at St. Hubert’s and is currently in foster care. Though she is only 16 pounds and her adoption fee is not waived, individuals are urged to adopt.

The shelter's website does not show the weight of each dog but according to Ashton, there are two ways to find out.

“You can call the shelter and ask [and] they can tell you on the phone. Or while you’re in, the adoption counselors can give you all the information,” Ashton said.

Over 114 cats ranging from 3 months old to over 19 years old also call St. Hubert’s home. The shelter also has rabbits, rats and guinea pigs up for adoption.

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: NY Mets' Max Scherzer and wife cover adoption fees at St. Hubert's