From 1 to 4 p.m., the Augusta Animal Services Department will host an open house on Sunday, Aug. 13, at the shelter located at 4164 Mack Lane.
Welcoming all to the facility, city of Augusta Animal Services Deputy Director of Crystal Eskola said the event would allow attendees a great opportunity to consider adopting an animal in need of rescuing or seeing the work being done for cats and dogs in the community.
“It’s great to have a pet for the companionship and love that they give you, but by adopting, it frees up space in the shelter for us to be able to put other animals up for future adoption,” she said. “Adopting from a rescue group, especially the ones we work with, allows them to save other animals from the community.”
According to a press release from the department, the event will feature tours of the shelter, activity books and coloring sheets for children, adoption specials, giveaways from Hollywood Feed and complimentary nail trims courtesy of Dog Networking Agents and Team StinkyKiss.
“We’re going to have fun with the adoption specials; you’ll play a game, and that will determine what your ultimate adoption fee will be,” said Eskola. “We expect it to be a day of fun.”
Free microchipping for the first 100 pets will also be provided thanks to the generosity of Dog Networking Agents.
For interested parties who are seeking specific personalities and qualities in a furry friend, the open house will also have experienced volunteers and staff who can steer prospective owners towards the right pet for them.
To current pet owners who are seeking another animal that will be a good companion for everyone in the household, Eskola said the shelter encourages owners to bring along their dog or cat to the adoption event as to ensure the right furbaby is matched up.
“Same thing goes for children; if they have children in the home, while it’s nice to bring a surprise home, it’s really best to bring the children with you and let the dog or cat interact just to make sure they all are comfortable with each other,” said Eskola. “We’ve had some people who want to get pets for their children, but they’re just absolutely terrified – just hysterical from crying and fear of the animal.”
Eskola said such traumatic interactions between pets and children are best handled with less pressuring introductions such as the open house, and can also allow the staff to make sure a suggested animal does not feel nervous around young children.
Among several of these animals in need is Courage, a 3-year-old pitbull that lived after getting hit by a car and having one of his front legs amputated. Now, a year later, the shelter is looking to find him a forever home along with many others, like Trina and Merlin – two more Pitbulls awaiting their lucky day.
“Augusta Animal Services strives to provide humane solutions for stray and homeless pets within the community through its return to owner, adoption, rescue and foster efforts,” according to the department’s mission statement.
To take a look at some of the dogs and cats available for adoption, CLICK HERE.
For more information about the shelter or how to get involved, visit: https://www.augustaga.gov/586/Animal-Services
