MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – With Miami-Dade animal shelters over capacity, the county’s animal services department is turning away some animals and waiving adoption fees for pets four months and older over the weekend.
Agency spokesperson Flora Beal said the shelter has reached crisis levels of overcrowding, forcing them to turn away some animals from the shelter.
“We’re basically having to reserve whatever little space we do have for those critical cases the injured animals that are out there or those that are taken because of confiscations,” Beal said.
In a news release, the agency said it’s partnering with PetSmart Charities in support of National Adoption Week and runs through Sunday. Some PetSmart stores in the county will be participating.
The adoption fee for kittens younger than four months is $30 and puppies younger than four months is $85; adopters remain responsible for the $30 dog licensing fee. All adoptions include initial vaccines, microchipping, deworming and spay or neuter surgery.
Miami-Dade shelters have over 600 pets available for adoption, the county says, and officials are asking people to adopt and foster pets, especially medium and large dogs.
“If you’re thinking of adopting, don’t wait any longer,” Beal said.
Adoption locations include:
- Miami-Dade Pet Adoption and Protection Center - 3599 NW 79th Ave., Doral, FL 33122
- PetSmart Flagler - 8241 W. Flagler St. Ste 101, Miami, FL 33144
- PetSmart Dadeland - 8302 S. Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143
- PetSmart West Kendall - 16514 SW 88th St, Miami, FL 33196