Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter to waive adoption fees this weekend
Published 8:13 am Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Star Photo/Andrew Wadovick The Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter uses donations from the community for various purposes, all of which both improve the lives of the animals in the shelter and encourage the community to adopt more.
Families are getting ready to exchange gifts for Christmas next week, and among many family gifts are new pets. Many organizations are answering the demand by providing special promotions and initiatives to increase adoption rates. The Carter County Animal Shelter, however, would like to go beyond the norm.
The Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter is holding a special promotion this upcoming weekend — from Thursday to Sunday, Dec. 20-23, the shelter is waiving all adoption fees in a program called “Home for the Holidays.”
Director Shannon Posada said programs like this are thanks to donations from members of the community.
“A couple of different individuals sent in donations specifically for the adoption fees,” Posada said. “This allows us to give discount rates.”
The donors, who Posada said wish to remain anonymous, took part in the larger initiative of the shelter: though the shelter is a government organization and therefore cannot ask for donations, Posada said the shelter also relies on donations to help cover costs.
“A lot of those people who adopt will use the money they save to sponsor another animal or donate food or money,” she said.
One such sponsored animal is a dog named Landon, whose living area has a red circle tag on the bars, indicating the animal is sponsored and a potential owner can adopt him at no cost.
“We are very thankful for the community’s help, especially during Christmas time,” she said.
Posada has been in veterinary medicine for the past 16 years.
“This is where my heart has always been,” Posada said.
Posada said she and her staff are dedicated to serving animals who need the help.
“It is rewarding for the staff whenever an animal finds a home,” she said. “It is a gift back to us.”
In addition to the general adoption fee program, Posada also said Santa may make an appearance on December 21 to meet with families and take pictures.
She said the shelter has other programs planned for 2019 as well.
“We hope to get some programs going in 2019,” she said. “For example, we are hoping to get stricter pet owner laws in the city or county.”
Those interested in making a donation can mail financial donations to 135 Sycamore Shoals Drive, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or drop off their item donations in person. Volunteers are also welcome, and they can schedule their volunteer time over the phone at 423-547-6359.
“I am proud of the shelter and my staff,” Posada said. “It is not an easy job.”
