Adopt a pet during the dog days of summer

The dog days of summer is a perfect time to adopt a pet. Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center will host its Dog Days of Summer & Cool Cat Nights pet adoption event on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals and families may adopt a dog older than four months for $68.25 (normally $136.50) or $57 (normally $114) for a puppy younger than four months. The fees include vaccinations and spay or neuter. Kittens and cats are available for no fee (normally $57.50). "I encourage residents to come on out to this family-friendly event and find a new friend," County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. "There will be lots of entertainment for the family." "We'll have food trucks, bounce houses and face painting for kids, a psychic, pet-supply vendors, raffles and more," said Joanie Toole, chief of Animal Control Division. Patterson also reminds local heroes that they may adopt dogs and cats for free through Aug. 31. Its part of the "PAWS to say thank you" program the county launched last month to acknowledge individuals who make a difference in other people's lives. The center will waive adoption fees for all active duty military, reservists, national guard, veterans, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, emergency dispatchers, doctors, nurses, teachers, and senior citizens (65 years or older). There is a $7.50 licensing fee for dogs. Individuals seeking to adopt a dog or cat should have their identification available. The screening process includes questions about prior pet ownership, type of residence, and whether pets are allowed there, among others. This event is one of a series of pet adoption events to help the center win a $100,000 grant from Rachel Ray and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The center's goal is to adopt out 2,014 pets during the months of June, July and August. The Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center is located at 1700 Brown Road in Auburn Hills. For additional information on the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center, go to www.oakgov.com/petadoption or Facebook at www.facebook.com/oakgov.opac. Published: Thu, Aug 07, 2014