“Clear the Shelter”: Shelter has special adoption event

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The desperate cries from shelter animals begging for a home could be answered Saturday. The New Hanover County Animal Services Unit will join the national campaign, “Clear the Shelter.”

They will have a special adoption fee Saturday from 8am-12pm. Their mission is to find a home for every single animal.

“To see that the animals from, certainly our shelter, and across america, get a good, stable, loving home. The home that they really deserve,” said Animal Services Unit Deputy Stephen Watson.

People will get to adopt a friendly face for only $30, and give an animal a fresh start. Watson emphasizes the important responsibility people have when adopting.

“We’re talking about a lifetime commitment,” said Watson.

From vet visits, to food, to supplies, it’s a full-time job financially and physically. Some even compare it to raising a child.

“Our world has changed since having him. It’s so weird because you have to be like ‘Okay, I’ve got to go home, feed the dog, let them out.’ So it definitely is like a kid,” said Courtney McCartan, who got her dog about a year and a half ago.

McCartan says her lab, Dex, is a handful but she would not give him up for anything. She says Dex is more than just a pet.

“Treat them like your own children. Like babies. And don’t give them away so easily,” said McCartan.

Shelters like the one at New Hanover want to clear the shelter, no matter how long it takes.

“If they can’t adopt tomorrow, that they continue to consider adopting from shelters and rescue groups at any time,” said Watson.

Watson says there is always a chance to adopt and give an animal something to really wag their tail about. He also says that New Hanover is blessed that their animals are always adopted quickly.

Shelters in Brunswick and Pender counties will also be participating in the campaign.