Alaqua Animal Refuge is temporarily waiving its $150 fee to adopt a dog or cat over six months old to get pets into good homes for the holidays.

With more animals at Alaqua now than at any time in its 11-year history, the holiday program is designed to help make room for hundreds of animals waiting to come in, mostly displaced by the hurricane two months ago.

“Everyone wins with this program,” said Ms. Hood. “People enjoy the companionship of a pet, the animals are able to begin a new life, and we’re able to take in more animals that desperately need sheltering. Most people don’t realize the utter devastation in our area for both animals and people. There are thousands of animals still displaced, and the shelters are full. This program allows us to find loving homes for animals in our care, while making room for so many more in need.”

Dogs and cats over six months old may be adopted for a donation of any amount. All dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. The adoption fee is normally $150.

Adoption criteria and application forms may be found online on Alaqua’s adoption page.

Fees for puppies and kittens under six months old continue in place.

“We invite people to come to Alaqua and find their perfect pet,” said Ms. Hood. “From lap dogs and sweet cats to active dogs ready for anything at a moment’s notice, we have animals of all sizes and personalities including purebreds.”

For more info, visit Alaqua Animal Refuge’s website.