,quality(10),blur(50))
Listen: ALLISON HARRIS, SACRAMENTO COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Veterans interested in adopting a dog or cat from California public animal shelters are now eligible for waived adoption fees through the Pets for Vets Act– a win for both veterans seeking companion animals and shelter pets in need of a home.
The new law became effective Jan. 1, 2020 and prohibits any California public shelter from charging an adoption fee for a dog or cat to individuals who present eligible identification in the form of a valid driver’s license or ID card with the word “VETERAN” printed on its face. Although the bill waives adoption fees, licensing and other fees may apply depending on the shelter. The bill also limits the number of dogs and cats adopted from that public animal shelter by an eligible veteran to one dog and cat each six month period.
Sacramento County’sBradshaw Animal Shelter currently offers $25 adoption fees for dogs, cats and rabbits which include spay and neuter surgery, vaccines and microchipping. With the new law in effect, the shelter is honoring the waived adoption fees for veterans with eligible identification.
“Standard adoption counseling is still applied to make sure a good match is made between the animal and the adopter,” said David Dickinson, Director, Bradshaw Animal Shelter.
Once theadoption processis complete, the adopter is responsible for paying required licensing fees and obeying local animal regulations and ordinances.
Those interested in adopting a pet can visit the shelter during open hours Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, CA 95827. The shelter also operates an offsite adoption center inside Petco located at 8840 Madison Ave in Fair Oaks, CA which is open daily 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For a list of available adoptable pets, visit the Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s website. Can’t adopt? Consider volunteering,fostering a shelter animal or donating to the Bradshaw Animal Shelter today.