The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia is holding a "Clear the Shelter" event this weekend after hitting critical capacity.
The event, which runs from Thursday through Sunday, involves discounted adoption fees for select animals. All adult dogs and cats over 6 months old will have a $20 adoption fee during the event. Puppies and kittens can also be adopted for $100.
“Our goal as an organization is to maintain the highest level of care for our animals," HSNEGA CEO, Allison Mayfield, said. "We are at critical capacity and, unfortunately, we are also experiencing staffing issues. That being said, we have decided to proactively take measures in order to reduce the number of animals in our facility and ensure that that standard of care is not compromised for their well-being."
HSNEGA chief development officer Sam Threadgill spoke on WDUN's Newsroom and said the shelter lacked a veterinarian until recently.
"We want our staff, who've been working tirelessly with about 150 animals in the building right now, to be able to rest, reset and regroup while our vet onboards and gets their bearings," Threadgill said.
There will be 84 animals available for adoption. The shelter pairs animals up with their potential new owner through an interview process. This interview ensures the animal and the new pet owner are a good fit, which also prevents shelter returns.
"We can try and match you with the best animal for you," Threadgill said. "So for example, if you like to hike or go running, we'll pair you with an energetic dog. If you want a couch potato, we've got those too."
If a family or individual wants to give an animal a "trial run," HSNEGA also offers several fostering options. Fosters can choose the long-term program, where sick animals or a new litter transition from the shelter to a home environment. HSNEGA also created a short-term program a year ago for people to take an animal out for an "ExPAWdition."
"Take them out for a couple of hours on a hike, or on the square to lunch," Threadgill said. "They wear an adoption vest and hopefully someone sees them. But they also kind of get that time out of the shelter, which is very stressful most of the time for the rescues."
The "Clear The Shelter" event will be held at the HSNEGA Adoption Center, at 845 West Ridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30501. Potential adopters can view all available rescues by visiting HSNEGA.org/adopt. The shelter will also be open with extended hours on Thursday and Friday from 1 to 7 p.m.
