If you're thinking about adopting a pet, now is a good time because it is Clear The Shelters Day nationwide. Tyler Animal Control and Longview Animal Care & Adoption Center are participating in this nationwide event. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., the shelters hope to find homes for all the animals it currently provides refuge.

Throughout the month of August, adoption fees have been reduced or waived to help these animals waiting for their forever family. Additionally, at Tyler Animal Control, the adoption fee will be waived in lieu of a donation of white towels, white washcloths, and/or blankets (fleece throws seem to work best).

Why Choose a Rescue Pet?

The Humane Society says every year 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized because there's no room for them in shelters and no one gives them a home. Our East Texas shelters are full of pets who long for a family of their own. Most of them ended up there because of human problems like a divorce, a move or because the person underestimated their animal's need for care.

When you choose to adopt a pet, you get a healthy animal who is just waiting to make a loving companion, and you free up shelter space for another animal who desperately needs help. Any adoption fee you pay or donation you make goes to support an organization devoted to animal care. You also get a pet for much less than you'll pay at a typical breeding facility or pet store.

What if I Can't Make it Saturday?

If you're unable to attend the event on August 18, you can still adopt a pet. Visit the shelter near you and, if you find a pet you like, you can fill out an adoption application. Once it's approved the shelter will have the animal spayed or neutered, brought up to date on vaccinations and micro chipped. Normally there is a charge for those services, but during the month of August those fees are waived or reduced.

The Tyler Animal Shelter is located at 4218 Chandler Highway in Tyler, and the Longview Animal Care & Adoption Center is located at 303 H.G. Mosley Parkway in Longview.

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