ELIZABETHTOWN — The Bladen County Animal Shelter will be holding an adoption event on Thursday from 1 until 4 p.m. at the State Employees Credit Union, located on U.S. 701 South near Elizabethtown.
Shelter Manager Karen Suggs said the adoption event is basically like other adoption events the shelter holds throughout the year — but added there is one twist with this event.
“This time we are going to be offering micro-chipping and one-year rabies shots to the public,” said Suggs.
She said visitors are encouraged to bring their pets and have them vaccinated against rabies and/or receive a microchip.
Suggs said the event will consist of six to eight kennels of animals. She said that folks can come out and view the available animals and the adoption fee will be waived. Suggs said there is a $25 fee for dogs and $15 fee for cats to cover the cost of vaccinations.
“If they want microchipping, that is extra,” said Suggs.
The cost for microhipping is $15 per animal and the cost of the one-year rabies shot is $6 per animal.
Suggs said those wishing to adopt an animal will still need to bring a photo identification with them and will have to complete all of the adoption paperwork just like they would if they went to the shelter.
“They can take home their fur-ever friend,” said Suggs of the adoption process.
She added that the animals really seem to enjoy these off-site adoption events because they get to interact with people.
Suggs added the shelter staff is hoping to add the micro-chipping service and one-year rabies shots to future off-site adoption events.
“We’re trying to encourage more citizens to get their animals vaccinated. Sometimes they can’t make it to the rabies clinics,” said Suggs.
She added the micro-chipping service is a useful tool if an animal should become lost or for some reason separated from their owner.
“It does help because we actually scan them (the animal) on intake to the shelter and when they are adopted,” said Suggs. She added that micro-chipping can help the shelter in locating a pet’s owner and reuniting them quickly.
Suggs said that is why they are encouraging more folks to have their pets micro-chipped.
She added that anyone wishing to make a donation to the county shelter can do so by dropping off their items at the Bladen County Animal Shelter located at 506 Smith Circle in Elizabethtown.
— Erin Smith can be reached at 910-862-4163.
