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Adoption fees lower for dogs, cats By Mail Tribune staff Updated: Dec 02, 2022 05:08 PM A A Clockwise from top left, Tank a Labrador mix, Kiz a domestic short hair gray cat, Melanie a tuxedo cat, Rufus a pit bull terrier mix, Rex a German shepherd and Quinn a domestic short hair black cat are among the animals at the Jackson County Animal Shelter waiting to find homes for the holidays. [Photos from Friends of the Animal Shelter] Jackson County Animal Shelter is offering reduced adoption fees for dogs and cats through December in an effort to free up shelter space and get animals home for the holidays. The “Home for the Pawlidays” fee reduction on every dog and cat ages 6 months and older comes thanks to sponsorship by Lithia Motors, according to the animal shelter. Dog adoption fees have been reduced from $150 to $50; cat adoption fees are down from $60 to $20. Jackson County residents also need to pay a $25 annual licensing fee per dog. Discounts are available for veterans, senior citizens 62 and over and for anyone buying a multiyear license. All standard adoption application, reviews and processes remain in effect. Like other shelters across the country, Jackson County’s is taking in so many animals it’s continually at capacity. The nonprofit Friends of the Animal Shelter has covered costs for several weekends of reduced adoption fees during the past few months, but the kennels have continued to fill up again almost immediately, according to the animal shelter. With Lithia Motor’s financial help, Friends of the Animal Shelter and the shelter are able to provide a full month of low-cost adoptions in December. The partnership gives all the animals, including more recent intakes, a much better chance of being seen and adopted sooner, the animal shelter said. For more information and links to view available dogs and cats, see fotas.org/pawlidays/ . Once you see an animal you’re interested in, call for an appointment to come in Tuesday through Thursday, as no walk-ins are allowed those days. No appointments are needed during the shelter’s Friday through Sunday open hours, noon to 4 p.m. No adoptions can take place after 3:30 p.m. to make sure processing is finished on time. Once on-site, an adoption counselor will meet with potential adopters to discuss their adoption plans. Adopters must complete an application, and the staff will review and process it as usual. Anyone who already owns a dog or several should bring their dogs with them. A meet-and-greet with the adoptable dog is necessary prior to adoption. Jackson County Animal Shelter is located at 5595 S. Pacific Highway, also known as Highway 99, between Phoenix and Talent. To make an appointment, call 541-774-6654. The shelter is closed Mondays and Christmas Day.