CLEVELAND — In an effort to place as many animals in homes as possible, the Cleveland APL is reducing dog and cat adoption fees beginning immediately, according to a Facebook post.
Dog adoption fees are reduced from $125 to $50 and cat adoption fees are reduced from $50 to $10. The reduced adoption fees will remain in place through closing Sunday, but it may be extended.
“The Cleveland APL is trying to reduce the number of animals in its care until the risk of outbreak has passed. This will ensure our capacity to provide the excellent and humane care the animals that are already at the APL require. It will also position the APL to be better able to help animals that are truly at risk and in need of immediate help” the shelter said in a statement.
The APL is taking additional precautions with the placement of hand sanitizer in every area of the building, in addition to surfaces being sanitized frequently.
The APL also offered a variety of tips for pet owners such as stocking up on two to four weeks of pet supplies and making sure pets are wearing identification and are vaccinated.
Other steps the APL has taken include:
• Reducing non-urgent intake. The Cleveland APL is prioritizing animal intake to first bring in those who are at the greatest risk and/or in the greatest need of help. Pet owners who are not facing immediate crisis will be asked to postpone their pet’s surrender to a later date. Good Samaritans who find a stray cat will be asked to foster through our existing Foster to Surrender program. We will provide them with everything they need.
• Increasing foster placements. Whether you are an existing Cleveland APL foster volunteer or want to help by joining our foster team, please contact foster@clevelandapl.org. If you’re not a current foster volunteer, put “New Foster Willing” in the subject line.
Pet owners who are quarantined at home should shelter their pets “in place,” meaning keeping them at home or using a prearranged caretaker and not surrendering them to a shelter. Currently, there is no evidence animals can contact coronavirus, the APL said.
