Reduced Dog Adoption Fees

media release: With Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) nearly at capacity for dogs, the shelter is inviting the community to make a little room for love this UW-Madison Homecoming weekend.

Starting Friday and through this weekend, DCHS is offering special adoption discounts on dogs to help more animals find homes and make room for the animals who continue to arrive at the shelter. As part of the promotion, Lonely Hearts Club members and senior dogs age 7 and older will have their adoption fees waived. Young adult and adult dogs ages 6 months to 6 years will be 50% off, and puppies up to 6 months old will be 25% off.

DCHS has a large number of adoptable dogs waiting for homes, including two-month-old puppies to 18-year-old senior dogs. Many adoptable dogs are currently being cared for in areas of the shelter that aren't visible to the public because the public-facing kennels are full.

Right now, DCHS has only a few open dog kennels remaining. The shelter has been helping overcrowded shelter partners by welcoming dogs who need a place to go, while also continuing to take in dogs from the local community. Nearly 30 local dogs have come into DCHS in just the past week, including stray and impounded dogs who need safe shelter and care.

“We have dogs of every age and personality waiting for families right now, from puppies to super seniors and some wonderful dogs who have simply been waiting a little longer for their person,” says Amy Good, Director of Development & Marketing at DCHS. “We’re hoping a Homecoming Weekend special gives people a reason to come meet a new best friend. When a dog finds a home, it also creates space for us to help another animal who needs us.”

DCHS is encouraging the community to make adoption part of their Homecoming Weekend plans.

• Puppies, up to 6 months: 25% off regular adoption fees
• Young Adults and adult dogs, ages 6 months to 6 years: 50% off regular adoption fees
• Senior dogs, ages 7+: Adoption fee waived
• Lonely Hearts Club dogs: Adoption fee waived. Lonely Heart Club dogs have been at the shelter longer than average or have special needs that may make finding a home more challenging

Adoptions at DCHS are first come, first served. Adoption specials apply to same day adoptions only-no holds. During the special, the public should anticipate longer wait times to meet with animals.