Animal Services joins ASPCA's Rescue Effect Campaign, Asks Community to Adopt and Foster Animals

Santa Rosa County Animal Services has joined animal shelters and rescues across the country to participate in the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and fostering and place more animals into loving homes. During this effort, adoption fees at SRCAS will be waived on Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20. View adoptable pets online at www.santarosa.fl.gov/405/Search-Adoptable-Pets .

Most shelters across the country are full, with nearly six million dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues in 2024, and animals, especially dogs, are often staying longer in care before being adopted. Choosing to adopt helps the animal you take home and supports many more by freeing up space and resources. Animal shelters have pets of all sizes, ages, and an array of wonderful personalities, and if you aren't able to adopt, temporarily fostering also helps free up space for other animals in need.

"We emptied our shelter completely in 2020 and would love to do that again, that's why we are participating in every adoption event that we can," said Randy Lambert, SRCAS Chief. "We are hoping to the community takes advantage of the waived fees and finds a new furry family member."

Launching in August and continuing through October, The Rescue Effect is the ASPCA's national campaign dedicated to helping organizations increase adoptions and engage the public. This year, the ASPCA is providing $2 million in grants to cover adoption fees and support operations at many participating shelters and rescue groups across the country with some holding fee-waived adoption events.

For more information about the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign, visit ASPCA.org/TheRescueEffect . For more information on how to get involved, foster, or adopt with Santa Rosa County Animal Services, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/animals .

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About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation's leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org , and follow the ASPCA on Facebook , X , Instagram and TikTok .

About Santa Rosa Animal Services

Santa Rosa County Animal Services' mission is to build a society in which every animal is treated with compassion; we provide humane shelter and care for the approximately 3,500 lost, displaced and victimized animals who enter our doors every year. Our services protect animals and educate the community through outreach, intervention, and enforcement.

We are dedicated to providing a positive outcome for all of the animals in our care. Since 2019, we have changed our approach to animal sheltering to better serve our community and pets. Through this transformation, our shelter has earned no-kill shelter status and is continuing to promote positive change. Learn more about SRCAS online at www.santarosa.fl.gov/animals .