Shelter Reduces Adoption Fees by 50 Percent for Older Dogs and Cats

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 13, 2013

The Bonnie Hays Small Animal Shelter in Hillsboro is encouraging people to think about “adopting an adult” this holiday season. From now until January 4, 2014, the adoption fee for all dogs and cats five years of age or older will be half-priced.

“We know the image that people have in their minds is usually of a puppy or kitten this time of year. We’d like people to replace that image with a grateful dog with some gray on his face or a cat who may be at an age where he’s a little less frisky,” says Deborah Wood, manager of Animal Services. “Part of the joy of adopting a pet is giving that animal a second chance at life. That’s always meaningful – but it’s even more extraordinary for an older pet,” says Wood. “These are animals that know they’ve been saved. They will thank you every day for what you’ve done for them.”

There is often a perception that people bond best with puppies and kittens, but people who adopt older pets often find that there is a depth of relationship that comes from the adoption that is unlike anything else they’ve ever experienced.

“These are also animals that are done with all the puppy and kitten problems – they’re usually not chewing shoes or climbing curtains. They just want to be loved and give love,” says Wood.

The usual adoption price for dogs is $150 – which will be reduced to $75 older dogs for the holidays. The regular fee for an adult cat is $50 – which will be reduced to $25. All animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on shots.

“What could be more in the holiday spirit than adopting an adult dog or cat that really needs you?” asks Wood.

You can see photos of adoptable pets on the shelter’s website: www.WashingtonCountyPets.com.

The Bonnie Hays Small Animal Shelter is located at 1901 SE 24th Avenue in Hillsboro – right on the Tualatin Valley Highway next to Lowe’s and Home Depot. Adoption center hours are 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and noon to 5:30 PM on Wednesday.

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