Woodford Humane Society slashes adoption fees to ease shelter overcrowding

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Woodford Humane Society is cutting adoption fees in half this weekend in a rare promotional effort to relieve overcrowding at the facility and find homes for nearly 80 animals currently in its care.

The half-price adoption event runs Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, with the shelter operating at over capacity. Marketing Director Beth Olsen said the organization has a diverse selection of animals ready for adoption, from puppies and adult dogs to cats of various sizes.

"We have close to 80 pets who are already fixed and vaccinated and ready to go home," Olsen said. "There's a lot to choose from."

The discount represents an unusual opportunity for prospective pet owners, as the Woodford Humane Society typically holds such promotions only a couple of times annually. Interested adopters can begin calling the shelter at 10 a.m. Saturday at 859-873-5491 to schedule appointments.

Olsen emphasized that potential adopters need not commit immediately and encouraged visitors to meet animals even if they remain uncertain about making a permanent decision. She noted that pet ownership requires significant long-term investment, typically spanning 10 to 15 years with associated expenses and care responsibilities.

"If you truly feel that you're ready, we are more than happy to let you meet some of the animals here and see if anybody feels like a good fit for you," Olsen said. "If you're kind of on the fence and you don't feel quite sure if you want to make the commitment, we're happy to still let you make an appointment and come and meet some."

The weekend event could prove consequential for animals that have spent extended periods waiting in shelter kennels. Staff members hope the reduced fees will motivate more adoptions and help address the facility's capacity constraints while connecting animals with permanent homes.