By Jack Freedman

On Saturday, August 22, the Bell County Animal Shelter will hold an end of summer adoption bash called Paws Out Summer from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to promote their $5 adoption special that has been going on for the whole month of August. 

The event will be open to families as well as their pets and include bounce houses, animal caricature artists, and more activities.

“The shelter has been offering [$5 adoptions] for the entirety of August, and it’s part of the National Clear the Shelters campaign,” Bell County Public Information Officer Cliff Coleman said.

In addition to family and kid-oriented activities, there will also be activities and services geared toward pets. Healthy dog and cat treats will be provided along with free grooming and nail trimming by Wag’s Mobile Pet Group. Human food will also be available, including free popcorn and shaved ice from Kona Ice.

“Those are the vendors that I am aware of, but I believe there will be other vendors as well,” Coleman said.

The average price for adopting a sterilized cat or dog from the shelter is $60, with a non-sterilized cat or dog going for $50. For the rest of the month, the price of a furry companion has dropped 90%. The event will also offer free microchipping, which normally costs $10.

“In the end, all we want is for these animals to have a home,” Coleman said.

Throughout the month of August, a total of 76 animals were adopted. Another 28 were transferred to other shelters, giving them another chance of being adopted.

“We’re hoping that there will be a good turnout and that we’ll be able to see some of these animals get adopted,” Police Lieutenant Jared Alton said.

Alton is one of several officers working at the shelter. Their duties include picking up dogs and cats off the streets, taking care of them and making sure that they find good homes.

As of Monday, the Bell County Commissioner’s Court has authorized five new officer positions at the shelter. These positions are yet to be filled.