Despite steady adoption rates throughout the year, the society is overflowing with animals —two-thirds of which are cats and kittens — and is hoping to find them a permanent home in the new year.
This year the society had about 1,000 more animals than last year admitted to the shelter. At the moment, about 250 animals are up for adoption and another 230 other pets are either in foster care or waiting to be spayed or neutered.
About 90 per cent of the cats the society receives are strays.
The society has also had an influx of dogs transferred from other animal care organizations in Alberta, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories over the last several weeks.
By cutting adoption fees for adult cats in half, from $130 to $65 between Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, the society is hoping more people will welcome a new furry friend into their home this holiday season.
During last year’s “companion week,” a record 82 animals were adopted out in one day on Boxing Day. In total, 151 animals found their forever homes during the week.
Humane society spokesperson Shawna Randolph is crossing her fingers for a repeat of last year.
“It was really surreal. When we walked in the cat room after the weekend, all the cages were empty and it was silent,” said Randolph. “It was a wonderful feeling.”
The society is also planning other adoption incentives during companion week
Anyone adopting a dog, puppy or kitten on Boxing Day will have their name included in a draw for a $100 gift certificate to the shelter store.
The humane society encourages people who may be thinking about adopting a pet to do their homework first and make sure they are in a position both financially and personally to bring a pet into their home.
Randolph said animal shelters throughout the province have received higher numbers of cats and kittens that aren’t spayed or neutered.
“People are not doing their part to control the pet population,” she said.
For more information on the pets available for adoption visit www.edmontonhumanesociety.com.
