“Home for the Holidays” has helped hundreds of abandoned or stray dogs and cats at the Haywood County Animal Shelter find homes during the holiday season by providing low cost adoptions.  Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation and Aidan’s Fund supplement the fees to keep them lower to encourage more people to adopt.

“This year, Youth for Sarge’s will help with this year’s Home for the Holidays.  The young volunteers will kick off the event by hanging a wreath at the animal shelter on November 21 at 12Noon.  They will also make stockings that will be hung at the shelter each time a dog or cat is adopted into a forever home,” said Tish O’Connor, coordinator of the group.

“The YFS volunteers have already raised over $3,000 this year to help save the homeless dogs and cats in Haywood County,” added O’Connor. “They do this by selling their homemade crafts and baked goods at local events and by holding fundraisers and pet food drives at their schools.”

From November 21^st through December 31, the special adoption fees are $60.00 for dogs, $27.50 for male cats and $37.50 for female cats.  The fee covers the cost of spay/neuter and a rabies vaccination.  The reduced adoption fee will make it easier for an adopter to pay for other medical services plus all the extras a new pet needs: collar, leash, identification tag, food, litter pan, etc.

Jean Hazzard, Director of Haywood County Animal Services wants people to realize the responsibility that comes with adopting a pet. “This is not a Christmas present but a long term member of the family.  We do not want these animals returned like many gifts after Christmas because it doesn’t ‘fit.’

It’s not fair to the animal.  People should take the time to think about adopting a pet and how it will affect their lifestyle.  The holiday season can be an ideal time for some to adopt and fit a pet into the family routine as children are out of school and many adults have time off,” said Hazzard.

The Haywood County Animal shelter is located at 245 Hemlock Street in Waynesville.  Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9:00am-5:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 12:00noon-4:00pm.  It will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 20-21 and Monday through Wednesday, December 24-26.

For more information, call 828-246-9050 or visit the website at www.sargeandfriends.org.