Ready for a pet? Discounted adoptions are available at this Placer County shelter all month

If you’ve been thinking about adopting a pet, now is a good time.

The Auburn Animal Shelter is offering discounted adoptions for the month of October for all shelter animals as part of nationwide Adopt a Shelter Dog month.

“Throughout the entire month of October, residents and visitors alike will have the chance to adopt a shelter pet from the Auburn shelter for only $15,” the county said in a news release. The county’s normal adoption fees are $140 for a dog and $115 for a cat.

The event is planned to relieve overcrowding in the shelter, which has been a growing problem. The average length of stay for dogs has increased by six days for dogs and eight days for cats, the county said.

“Placer County Animal Services has seen a 21% increase in dog intakes from comparable periods in 2022 to 2023, while also seeing 6% and 2% declines in adoptions and redemptions, respectively,” the county said. “As a result, the shelter has experienced more frequent overcrowding this year, particularly with dogs – a trend that mirrors national shifts.”

Overcrowding is creating less-than-ideal conditions for the animals, too.

“It is taking a significantly longer time to get pets out of the shelter, leading to lack of kennel space and crowding,” Katie Ingram, program manager for the shelter, said in a statement. “Earlier this year, we were forced to put some dogs in crates on the floor, which is not ideal for their health or behavior.”

To kick off the monthlong event, the Auburn shelter is inviting residents and visitors to the shelter Saturday for tours and opportunities to win pet food and toys.

Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, will be in attendance along with Placer County Supervisor Shanti Landon, who represents the Lincoln area.

“While overcrowding took longer to come to our Auburn shelter than many others, we are seeing the impacts now, and we humbly ask for the community’s compassion and support for our shelter pets,” Landon said in a statement. “If you can adopt, adopt; if you can foster, foster. If you can’t do either, please join us and learn more about the variety of other ways to support Animal Services.”

The event will be held at the Auburn Animal Shelter located at 11232 B Ave. from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Those interested in adopting a pet can view eligible cats and dogs on the county’s website.