MANATEE COUNTY – More than 150 dogs call the Manatee County Animal Service Shelter home, but the staff hopes Saturday’s Clear the Shelter event can help these canine companions find a loving family.
“Being an open admissions shelter here in Manatee County we get up to 15 animals per day,” said Hans Wohlgefahrt. “So it’s really important for us to be able to have adopters come here and hopefully leave with a new family member.”
Wohlgefahrt, outreach & event specialist, has been a part of Clear the Shelters for more than three years in Manatee County. He says the shelter is waving the adoption fees, the dogs have also been spayed or neutered, and micro chipped as well as having all their recent shots.
“It brings a lot of attention to the overcrowding that most shelters throughout the country experience, and it’s just a way to encourage the community to come out to the shelters check-out all the amazing animals that we have,” said Wohlgefahrt.
Erin Riel and Ethan Asma came to the shelter after hearing about the event. Already having three dogs at home Riel knew she wasn’t going to be able to go home empty handed.
“We got and here and it’s just – I can’t leave without, it’s so sad that people leave their dogs here. I was crying – I had to,” said Riel.
Wohlgefahrt says committing to adopting a pet is no walk in park but encourages anyone to stop by the shelter and learn about being a responsible pet owner.
“We love these pets and we’ve been with them, cared for them.” he said. “We want to make sure we make a good match with the right adopter and that these animals are going to be loved for the rest of their lives.”
More than 20 cats and dogs were able to find their forever home making it a success for the Manatee County Animal Service Shelter.
The shelter is now open seven days a week and are committed to pairing you with a perfect match to add to your family.