The Gwinnett County Animal Shelter is celebrating its adoptable rescue pets during the month of March with two programs that waive adoption fees.
Free Fridays waives the adoption fees for any and all animals on Friday.
"They're fully vetted, they have microchips, they've been spayed or neutered, and they can walk out the door for free," said Stacie Miller, Volunteer and Resource Coordinator with Gwinnett County Animal Welfare. She said their month of Free Friday's has been a popular promotion in the past. "We brought Free Friday's back because it was so successful last year. Our adoption rates were going through the roof when we had Free Fridays."
Free Fridays began March 1, and continues through the month.
Some dogs in the shelter are lucky enough to be part of St. Pitty's Day as well. Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all mixed-breed dogs with pit bull terrier heritage are free to adopt.
"That's probably the number one type of dog we have in the shelter," said Miller. "Unfortunately, pit bulls do have a bad reputation. Our pit bulls and our pit bull mixes are absolutely sweet and lovable, and we are trying to change that image of the pit mix. So we're celebrating St. Pitty's Day in their honor."
Miller said the shelter is even decorated to celebrate the new holiday.
Lastly, Miller said you don't need luck when selecting a new pet as long as you follow the right protocol: come and interact with a potential new pet and make sure the personalities mesh.
"I've always seen that you don't chose the pet, the pet choses you. We see it day in and day out here in the shelter," Miller said. "Come up to the shelter, take time and interact with the animal and make sure it's the right fit for you and your family. You know, just like people, animals have different personalities, so you need to make sure that personality and that dog is going to fit into your family."
