Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS), the only shelter solely devoted to the lost and unwanted pets of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, and Williamson County, and Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to save the lives of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025, are teaming up for another adoption campaign to encourage people to choose to adopt, not buy, their next pet.
“WCRAS is still at critical capacity in our medium-to-large adult dog kennels, so we are grateful for this opportunity from Best Friends Animal Society to host a free adoption event for ALL of the adoptable animals. After taking in another 55 animals from a single location last Friday, our need is greater than ever,” said Misty Valenta, animal services director.
WCRAS is open daily from 12 – 6 p.m. To learn more about the shelter or to preview the adoptable pets, go to wilcopets.org. Adoptions of dogs and cats include spay/neuter surgery, a microchip the shelter will register for you, all age-appropriate shots, and a voucher for a free wellness exam at participating veterinary clinics.
Recent data released by Best Friends showed that U.S. shelters were seeing an increase in animal intakes and a decrease in pet adoptions from shelters. This has steadily turned into a crisis in the animal welfare community, where many shelters are over capacity.
Anyone considering adding a new pet to their family can make a difference by choosing to adopt instead purchasing their pet.
"There is a growing shelter crisis across the country and the animal welfare community won’t just sit by and let innocent pets die,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. "In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We’re joining forces with our vast network of shelters and rescues across the country to host our third National Adoption Weekend since May to incentivize people to get out and adopt.”
Due to recent problems such as staffing shortages, limited shelter hours, decreased volunteers, and reduced adoption events, the time is now to help save lives by adopting a pet.
“We have proof that national promotions like the first two adoption weekends we did in May and July work,” said Castle. “Our July National Adoption Weekend saw close to 10,000 animals adopted in a three-day period.”
That’s why WCRAS is compelled to be a part of the upcoming National Adoption Weekend. “The shelter has been at critical capacity since June, which means that our ability to care for the animals is diminished – the more animals that are here, the more difficult it is to maintain the level and quality of care we know the community expects from us,” said Misty Valenta. “People who might not be ready for the commitment adoption brings can still pitch in to help us maintain our life-saving mission by fostering a medium-to-large adult dog. Our staff is always eager to help make the right match!”
For more information, visit wilcopets.org or follow @WilliamsonCountyAnimalShelter on Facebook, @wilcopetstx on Instagram, or @wilcopets on Twitter to learn more.