Southampton Town Recognizes New 'Adopt A Pet Day' With Open House

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The plight of homeless pets will soon be spotlighted at Southampton Town's open house adoption and fostering event, organized to highlight the new "Adopt A Pet Day."

The event is slated to be held on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, located at 102 Old Riverhead Road in Hampton Bays at Red Creek Park.

Last year, Southampton Town Councilman Michael Iasilli introduced and passed legislation designating April 30 as "Adopt a Pet Day" in town.

The event provides another opportunity to meet the Animal Shelter Foundation’s volunteers and adopt a pet.

And, the need is critical, organizers said: As the facility prepares for essential renovations this fall, the shelter will need to decrease intake while they install a new septic system, update flooring, and install new dog kennels. The event will promote the shelter’s foster program for pets that have not found a home by September, with an eye toward providing a temporary haven for them during the renovations, which are expected to last approximately three months.

The town encourages the community to come out, learn about the shelter and the pets, and consider adopting or fostering. "Together, the community can make a big difference in the lives of these animals," town officials said.

"This will be an amazing opportunity to help the shelter as they make these critically important upgrades," Iasilli said. "Thanks to last year’s efforts in partnership with Public Safety Director Ryan Murphy and my colleagues on the town board, we were able to secure grant funding through the NYS Companion Animal Capital Fund of over $400,000. The community’s effort in adopting or fostering a pet will help the shelter to work through this transition, expected to begin in September."

"The animals are absolutely adorable. I recommend that everyone come out and help the shelter," added Councilman Bill Pell.