Haven of the Ozarks, a no-kill shelter located in SW Missouri, and Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to save the lives of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025, are teaming up for another adoption campaign to encourage people to choose to adopt, not buy, their next pet.
“We hope that by offering a discounted fee on our adoptable dogs and cats, it will help give that extra boost to anyone considering adoption,” said Wes Farris, Haven director. “We’ll be offering $25 off cat adoptions and $50 off dog adoptions from Friday-Sunday, Sept 16-18. We know all the area shelters are full and have a long list of animals needing help, so we’re hopeful that we can find homes for those currently in our care to help make room to save even more lives.”
Haven of the Ozarks Animal Sanctuary is open to the public seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All animals at the Haven are spayed/neutered, microchipped and current on vaccinations.
Recent data released by Best Friends showed that U.S. shelters were seeing an increase in animal intakes and a decrease in pet adoptions from shelters. This has steadily turned into a crisis in the animal welfare community, where many shelters are over capacity.
Anyone considering adding a new pet to their family can make a difference by choosing to adopt instead of purchasing their pet.
“There is a growing shelter crisis across the country and the animal welfare community won’t just sit by and let innocent pets die,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We’re joining forces with our vast network of shelters and rescues across the country to host our third National Adoption Weekend since May to incentivize people to get out and adopt.”
Due to recent problems such as staffing shortages, limited shelter hours, decreased volunteers, and reduced adoption events, the time is now to help save lives by adopting a pet.
“We have proof that national promotions like the first two adoption weekends we did in May and July work,” Castle said. “Our July National Adoption Weekend saw close to 10,000 animals adopted in a three-day period.”
That’s why Haven of the Ozarks is compelled to be a part of the upcoming National Adoption Weekend.
“We’re seeing overcrowded shelters all over Missouri and the need for help continues to grow, especially in our rural areas” Farris said. “If someone isn’t ready to commit to adoption, they can volunteer or donate and still make a big difference in helping save lives.”
For more information, people may visit www.havenoftheozarks.org or follow www.facebook.com/havenoftheozarks to learn more.
