HOUSTON — BARC Animal Shelter is dropping its adoption fees for cats and dogs to just $1 from Thursday to Sunday.
The shelter said they have a capacity for 550 animals but has taken in 700 each week since May.
BARC is asking Houstonians to either adopt or foster the cats and dogs with shelter intake expected to remain high throughout the summer.
During Wednesday’s weekly Houston City Council meeting, Mayor Sylvester Turner and council members promoted the $1 adoption offer.
“We desperately need the community’s help this weekend,” said Mayor Turner. “We don’t typically drop adoption fees to $1, but we want to give the animals in our care the best possible chance to find a home.”
“I think it’s time sensitive that we push this message out because if it’s that critical, we need to do our part,” said Council Member Brenda Stardig of District A.
However, Council Member Greg Travis of District G cautioned that history has shown cheaper fees can attract adopters who underestimate future pet-related expenses.
“There’s the care and feeding of the animal, plus the vet bills and everything else,” said Council Member Travis, adding he understands BARC’s desire to clear up space. “Let’s just make sure we don’t just be handing out dogs and cats to people who then have to come back and return them.”
Available pets for adoption can be found on BARC’S website, however BARC encourages adopters to stop by BARC at 3300 Carr Street, Houston 77026 and meet the animals in person.
BARC is open from noon to 5:00 p.m. every day.
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