The Key West and Marathon campuses of the Florida Keys SPCA and Marrvelous Pet Rescues in Key Largo are joining over 1,000 nationwide animal rescues during the fifth annual Clear the Shelters pet adoption drive Saturday, Aug. 17, in an effort to help local families adopt a new pet.
Pet adoption fees are waived, although standard adoption procedures and policies still apply. Interested adopters are encouraged to visit either of the FKSPCA locations ahead of the event to complete an adoption questionnaire as part of the pre-approval process.
FKSPCA’s goal is to adopt every animal it houses. Of the 78 animals at Marathon’s campus, most are cats of all ages, colors and personalities. However, 14 dogs are also looking for their forever home.
In past years’ events, the two locations successfully adopted over 50 animals.
“Residents are welcome to drop by the shelter during the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday to meet our animals,” said Marathon shelter director Tara Vickrey-McFarland. “I’m pretty sure they are going to fall in love with a ‘furever’ animal.”
Since 2015, NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign has resulted in more than 256,000 pet adoptions. Clear the Shelters is sponsored nationally by Cat’s Pride and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
The Marathon shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to facilitate the adoptions. More information is available from the Key West shelter at 305-294-4857, the Marathon shelter at 305-743-4800 or at fkspca.org.
Marrvelous Pet Rescues will be having an Adopt–A-Thon & Clear the Shelter event from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lions Club in Key Largo. There will be a microchip clinic and a doggie day spa. They will also have a dog trainer available and painting with the artist Pasta Pantaleo.
Stop by and meet some of the wonderful furbabies that are looking for their family, like Kyle. He was surrendered to a high-kill shelter sadly after a family member decided she did not want him anymore. He has been fostered by MPR board member Cathy Brewer.
“Kyle is a bright and energetic dog who loves to play and run. He will be your best buddy and needs a structured environment that also includes treats, toys and a soft bed,” she said.
Whether you are just in need of some fur therapy or would like to learn more about fostering or adopting, stop by your local shelter to see how you can help.
