(JULY 1, 2024) -- Now is a great time for people who have been thinking about adding a furry friend to their family to do just that. The Cherokee County Animal Shelter will be waiving adoption fees on all animals July 2-3.

As of July 1, the Shelter has 195 animals in care with more than 75 percent of them being cats or kittens. Of the 195 in care, 21 dogs, 22 kittens, and 18 cats are ready for adoption.

“This time of year is the height of kitten season, which means many end up in our care,” said Shelter Director Susan Garcia. “It’s common for people to bring by boxes of kittens to be relinquished. We get them weaned, completely vetted and ready for adoption.”

Adoption fees for dogs and cats is normally $100 and includes the initial vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, deworming, flea preventative, microchip, a starter bag of food, free training for the animal’s lifetime and various other services.

In addition, the Shelter will spay/neuter 15 kittens and eight cats this Friday, which will be available for adoption on Saturday, July 6. All animals must be spayed or neutered to be eligible for adoption.

Fostering cats and kittens

The Shelter offers a foster program for cats and kittens, keeping them in loving homes until they are ready to be adopted. Those wishing to become a foster parent to cats or kittens must be a Cherokee County resident, pass a home inspection, and not have too many other animals in the house. The Shelter provides all needed food, supplies, veterinary treatment and any needed medications. An online application is available at www.cherokeega-animals.org by clicking on the Volunteer button.