Looking for a furry companion to bring some more happiness into your life? The Anti-Cruelty Society is mounting a special adoption event this weekend where potential adopters can bring home a new four-legged friend for free.
The organization will host a Clear the Shelters event this Saturday, August 27 at various adoption centers around town, waiving all adoption fees in an effort to find forever homes for pets in its care. Typically, fees range from $75-$300 for dogs and cats.
As part of the event, the Anti-Cruelty Society’s River North headquarters at 510 N LaSalle Dr will have vendors on site and a team to help answer questions between noon and 5pm. Not interested in a dog or a cat? No worries; gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits and rats will be adoptable too. Adopters must be at least 18 years old and present a valid government-issued ID.
Anti-Cruelty COO Darlene Duggan told Block Club Chicago in June that the city’s animal shelters have hit “catastrophic levels” of overpopulation. Those who would like to help ease the burden but aren’t ready to fully commit to pet ownership can instead participate in the Society’s newly-launched Foster on the Spot program, which gives prospective adopters a one-week trial with a pet to see if it would be a good fit. At the end of the period, they have the option of keeping their furry friend or returning them so that they can find a new family.
In addition to the Anti-Cruelty Society’s River North shelter, potential adopters can find adoptable pets this weekend at the organization’s Everyday Adoption Center in the South Loop PetSmart at 1101 S Canal St. Other participating PetSmarts include stores in south Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Wrigleyville, Montclare and Evanston. For more information on the promotion, head to the Anti-Cruelty Society’s site. A list of adoptable pets, with the ability to start the adoption process, is also available online.