Ocean County Health Department Hopes 'Clear The Shelters' Day Will Live Up To Its Name

The Ocean County Health Department will waive all adoption fees for any dog or cat at the Northern and Southern Ocean County facilities in an effort to "Clear the Shelters," spokesman Brian Lippai.

The event will run from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at both locations.

“Last year we had 47 pets find forever homes and dozens more in the days leading up to the event," Lippai said."With all the homeless pets available hoping for a second chance, this is the perfect reason to adopt and not shop for pets at puppy mills or backyard breeders."

All adoption fees will be waived for everyone adopting a dog or cat from the Ocean County Animal Facilities on Aug.19. Every dog and cat adopted receives a veterinary exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, is spayed/neutered, and microchipped.

“Our goal is to find homes for as many dogs and cats as possible during this special one day adoption event,” says Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator. “ It's been another busy summer so there will be plenty of kittens, cats, puppies and dogs to choose from,” Regenye explains.

The free adoption event will be held at the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility at 360 Haywood Road in Manahawkin, and at the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility at 615 Freemont Avenue in Jackson. 08527.

This is the second year Ocean County Animal Facilities will be participating in the “Clear the Shelters” promotion. “Clear the Shelters” is a nationwide adoption event that includes the participation of hundreds of shelters from across the United States. Last year’s effort emptied many shelters of homeless animals in just one day, adopting more than 20,000 dogs and cats in need.

For more information on “Clear the Shelters” or the Ocean County Animal Facilities or how to adopt a pet, call 732-657-8086 or 609-978-0127.

Visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org or follow the Health Department on Twitter@OCpublichealth or like the Health Department on Facebook.

Photo: "Zeus" and "McGregor" are available for adoption at the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility in Manahawkin.