Fur-Get Me Not Adoption Event

The will host the adoption event on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held in their building at 1515 N. Edgeworth Ave., located behind .

With 65 cats and 13 dogs looking for new forever homes, the shelter has the perfect pet for nearly any family. To sweeten the deal, special adoption fees will be available during the adoption event: $65 for cats and $150 for dogs.

In addition to special pricing, the shelter will offer a Perfect Pair special on cats – pay the adoption fees for one feline, get another for free. Most animals are up to date on their shots, have been seen by a vet and are spayed or neutered.

“We hold adoption events a few times a year to help spread awareness about the shelter being here,” the shelter’s manager, Lisa Yaeck, said. “We hope that the special pricing will encourage people to come out and meet the animals.”

The shelter provides temporary homes for stray animals and pets surrendered by their owners. Last year, animal intakes hit record numbers and the shelter housed as many as 120 cats at one time. Shelter staffers said they were happy to find forever homes for more than 200 cats and 120 dogs in 2011.

Housing and caring for so many furry friends takes a lot of time, work and money. The shelter runs daily operations with about $60,000 each year, said Yaeck. The city of Royal Oak provides the shelter with a building and oversees the shelter’s activity with the Animal Shelter Committee. However, the building’s utilities and all animal expenses depend on community support.

The Royal Oak Animal Shelter is a publically funded, no-kill shelter and receives no government money. Funds for the shelter come from public donations and an array of fundraisers, including events like Arts, Beats and Eats.

“We really couldn’t help so many animals without the support of the community and our great volunteers,” Yaeck said.

About 20 volunteers assist the shelter in daily necessities, such as cleaning cages, feeding the animals, dog walks and paperwork.

 “That may sound like a lot of people, but there is a lot of work that has to be done around here,” Yaeck said. “We need as many helping hands as we can get.”

Things to Keep in Mind When Adopting

Adoptions can be a wonderful, fulfilling experience. However, adopting a pet should be a household decision and should never be given as a surprise present.

“If you want to give someone a pet for Valentine’s Day, you should bring your loved one in to select an animal together,” Yaeck said.

It’s important to remember that adoptions are a long-term commitment. Cats can live to be more than 20 years old. Pets require a financial responsibility and can have unexpected health problems.

Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that a pet is a right fit – both for the owner and the animal.

Yaeck also warns adopters of the importance of spaying and neutering their animals.

“We do our best to get all of the animals spayed or neutered before they are adopted, but every pet owner needs to understand how critical it is. Spaying and neutered can greatly help control the pet population, Yaeck said.

Looking to adopt a furry companion? Check out the Royal Oak Animal Shelter’s website. Also, stop by and “like” their Facebook to stay updated on upcoming shelter events.