Get pre-approved for 'Empty the Shelters' event at adoption center

Pet adoptions will be free at the Oakland County Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. That's when the shelter will participate in the Bissell Pet Foundation "Empty the Shelters" event. New this year, the shelter will accept applications for pre-approval for adopting a pet. Pre-approved adopters will enter the shelter first that Saturday.

Individuals or families who wish to submit a pre-approval application for adopting a pet may do so by visiting the shelter's homepage at oakgov.com/petadoption, select the "Pet Adoption Center" tab, click on adoptions, then download the application. Submit it by email at petadoption@oakgov.com, by fax at 248-858-7449, or in person at the shelter at 1200 N. Telegraph in Pontiac, building 42 East. Applicants will be notified prior to the event.

"Oakland County participates in the Empty the Shelters event because it draws attention to the cats and dogs available for adoption at local shelters," Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said.

Empty the Shelters has helped adopt out more than 13,500 animals in 14 states.

"Oakland County is grateful for the support of he Bissell Pet Foundation because over the course of two years the Oakland County Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center has adopted out 82 dogs and 104 cats because their Empty the Shelters event," said Bob Gatt, Oakland County Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center manager.

During the week leading up to the Empty the Shelters event, the shelter sees a surge in regular adoptions by those who want to beat the crowds and don't mind paying the adoption fees which are $139.50 for a dog or $57.50 for a cat. Those fees include ensuring the pet is up to date on its vaccinations and microchipped.

To view the animals available for adoption at the Oakland County Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center, visit the shelters homepage at oakgov.com/petadoption and click on the "Adopt a Pet" button.

For additional information, contact the shelter at 248-858-1070.

Published: Wed, Sep 19, 2018