BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Just days into the new year, our Kern County shelters say many dogs need out now.
“We probably see a 20-30% increase in adoptions when we waive our fees or go under $20,” said Joshua Proctor, animal behaviorist with the Bakersfield Animal Care Center.
To start off the new year on a happy note, Proctor with the city shelter said they’re waiving adoption and redemption fees Friday and Saturday.
Dogs like Lupe — an Anatolian Shepherd mix — and Poe — a shepherd mix — have been wagging their tails since October in hopes of finding their forever family.
The harsh reality is the longer a dog stays at the shelter, the more likely it is to be at the top of the euthanasia list.
“There are dogs behind them who also deserve a chance to try and get adopted,” said Proctor.
That means time is ticking for Lupe and Poe, as well as for the pit bull sisters Pecan and Sugar, who have been at the shelter since late November.
“So, there’s still a lot of adoptable dogs being euthanized for space,” Proctor explained. “During peak season, when we’re at the highest intake, is six weeks [a dog can stay]. When we’re at the slowest, we can go all the way up to three months.”