Photo courtesy: Gracie Tuohy
By: Gracie Tuohy
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – Fayetteville Animal Services is currently dealing with an influx of dogs and cats at its facility and is encouraging more adoptions. They are hosting a “Fall Adoption Event” running from Oct. 1-15.
Fayetteville Animal Services, part of the City’s Community Resources Department, provides essential services to the community, including reducing animal nuisances and promoting pet adoption.
The department’s primary objectives include educating the public on responsible animal ownership, placing animals into caring homes, operating the Fayetteville Animal Shelter, and enforcing animal code violations. Additionally, they focus on reducing the number of animals that must be humanely euthanized.
The department works to ensure that lost pets are returned to their owners or adopted into new homes through its shelter services. In 2021, more than 800 homeless pets were adopted, and nearly 400 were reunited with their owners.
Available animals include dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens- all of which are spayed, neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.
While cat adoptions have been thriving, dog adoptions have been slower.
“It’s kind of been a slow year overall for dog adoptions,” said Justine Lentz, animal services superintendent for the City of Fayetteville. “Cats seem to always be flying out the door which is great for them but our dogs sometimes get overlooked. We were just looking for a way to generate some interest and get the public in here to see the awesome dogs we have.”
Lentz said that part of the reason for the high rate of cat adoptions may be due to the demographics of the city. “I think in general cats are a little more approachable for people,” she said. “We live in a college town and sometimes it’s a little easier to think about taking on a cat versus a dog just because they’re smaller.”
She mentioned another reason could be due to landlord issues and pet deposits being higher for bigger dogs.
Despite these challenges, Fayetteville Animal Services is hopeful that more potential pet owners will come in and consider adopting dogs from the shelter.
All adopters must be 21 or older, and if they rent, they must have approval from their landlord to adopt a pet.
As of today, there have been 17 total adoptions. There is one week left of the adoption event and there are 4 cats and 22 dogs still available.
The team continues to raise awareness and promote the benefits of adopting both dogs and cats, ensuring that every animal finds a loving home.