Humane euthanasia up as families abandon pets
Animal Care and Control occupancy soars as economy prices out pets
thσmαѕ cσrdч, Palm Beach Post
This week’s Pet of the Week is Ernie.
This handsome 2-year-old boy is ready to charm his way into your heart after being in the shelter for more than 35 days. Ernie is full of purrs and headbutts, and he can't wait to find a loving home where he can curl up on the couch with you.
For more information, his profile is here.
Welcome to The Palm Beach Post's Pet of the Week, a series in which we feature animals up for adoption in Palm Beach County in hopes of finding them a loving family. Palm Beach County's animal shelter selects a pet of the week for this series that is safe, friendly and ready to become a companion. All animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Here's what to know about our pet of the week, including what Animal Care and Control staffers say about his personality.
Cat up for adoption: Ernie
- Age: 2 years
- Weight: 8 pounds, 3 ounces
- Sex: Male, neutered
- Animal ID: A2223529
More information: Ernie comes from a difficult situation and the shelter environment isn’t ideal for him to be able to relax so he’s hoping to find a home with someone who will take the time to help him open up on his own terms and show his true colors. Come meet Ernie today and let him show you what a wonderful companion he can be!
You can find Ernie's profile here!
Palm Beach County's shelter selects Pet of the Week from a pool of certified cats and dogs ready to be adopted
Leaders at Palm Beach County's animal shelter choose animals for The Post to feature in this series. They often select longer-term residents or animals who are not adjusting well to living in the shelter.
Animals chosen are part of the shelter's “pet pal” program in which volunteers repeatedly evaluate the animal's temperament, safety and friendliness before deciding whether they're ready for immediate adoption, according to the shelter's website.
Pets with illnesses or histories of aggression are not eligible for the “pet pal” program. Dogs with histories of biting humans or other animals are also not eligible.
How to adopt a cat or dog in Palm Beach County
You can start the adoption process in person or online.
To begin in person: Visit Animal Care and Control during normal business hours at 7100 Belvedere Road near West Palm Beach to fill out an application and meet the pets there.
To begin the process online:
- Use the pet's animal ID number (like the one listed above) to search them on Animal Care and Control's online database.
- Click on the “Ready to Adopt? Click Here” link to the right of the pet's photo.
- Fill out the two-page downloadable adoption application and email it to Animal Care and Control at PSD-ACCSupport@pbcgov.org.
- Once Animal Care and Control has reviewed your application, a team member will contact you to confirm that you have been approved to adopt. Submittal of an online application does not guarantee the pet's availability.
Adoption fees: Adoption fees are waived in March. They are usually $60 for adult dogs, $75 for puppies and $50 for cats and kittens. Palm Beach County residents who are 55 years and older are offered a discounted adoption fee.
Note: All animals adopted from Animal Care and Control will be spayed if female or neutered if male. They will be up-to-date on vaccinations, protected against fleas and ticks and microchipped.
About fostering: If you are not ready for a long-term commitment, you may want to consider offering foster care to a pet. This is a great way to get the feel for becoming a pet parent, and it allows you and your new prospective pet to get to know each other. You can find more information about fostering on Animal Care and Control's website.
Holly Baltz is an editor at The Palm Beach Post. She has a dog, Pippa, who is 9 years old. You can reach her at hbaltz@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today!
