Saint Louis County, MO - Meet your next "best friend" at Pet Fest on Saturday, May 1st. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s Pet Adoption Center, located at 77 Hunter Avenue in Ladue.
Pet Fest is a family event where prospective pet owners can get to know the animals they might like to adopt. There will be plenty of adoptable dogs and cats waiting for new owners to take them to their "forever home".
"We make every effort to match up dogs and cats with people who would like to welcome them into their homes," said Dr. Helen Kamp, health department veterinarian. "This will be a great opportunity for people to find a new animal companion."
Many of the animals available will be spayed or neutered and reduced-price vouchers that can be used at participating veterinarians will be offered to county residents for those animals that haven’t been altered.
"Responsible pet ownership - which includes spaying and neutering - can be a valuable way to teach our children about responsibility in general" said Dr. Kamp.
Pet adoption and spaying/neutering also reduce the chances of overcrowding at animal shelters and animal overpopulation in the community.
Added Dr. Kamp, "Unaltered animals have the potential to produce thousands of unwanted offspring and our reduced-fee spay/neuter program helps prevent this. By reducing the number of unwanted animals in the community, we keep our streets safer from feral animals and the disturbances these animals can create."
There is no charge to attend Pet Fest, but the standard procedures for adopting a pet will apply:
1) An application must be completed.2) There is a $40 adoption fee that covers vaccinations, deworming, and micro chipping.
If a dog is not already altered, the adopter must arrange for the procedure with a veterinarian located in St. Louis County.
Next year, the health department will unveil its new animal shelter in Olivette. The new facility will offer a complete pet adoption center along with the routine services of our current Animal Care & Control.
Additional information about Saint Louis County Animal Care & Control can be found at:www.stlouisco.com/doh/animals/animals.html |
