Looking to adopt a pet? Now's the time to do it.
The Lee County Humane Society currently has a free-cats and discounted-kittens deal, but they are topping it with a Halloween adoption party Friday.
"We're going to do adoption fees by the donation of the adopter's choice," said Stacee Peer, the shelter's director of public relations and development. "If they want to donate $1 or if they want to donate $100, it's totally up to the adopter."
The shelter is also extending its adoption hours for the event as an additional incentive.
"Our regular adoption hours are from noon until 5, and we're actually going to stay open later until 7, so that's something special that we're doing for it," Peer said.
The event is open to anyone looking to adopt.
"We're inviting families and college kids to come to the shelter," Peer said. "You can wear your costume if you want to. All staff members are going to be dressed up for Halloween. Kids can trick-or-treat. We'll have candy and stuff like that."
The shelter has approximately 15-20 dogs, 10-12 puppies and about 20 cats and kittens.
"We adopted a Maltese," said Ally Barnes, a sophomore in psychology whose family lives in Opelika. "Her name is Bella, and we got her in 2008. It was really easy, and I remember a lot of stuff being included, like her shots were all done. It was an easy process."
Peer said the shelter provides nearly anything the adopter needs for his or her pet. They have collars for dogs and puppies and $5 cat carriers.
Barnes said anyone looking to adopt should consider going to a humane society.
"I would always recommend adopting from humane societies over getting dogs that are bred because humane societies have animals that are really in need of homes," Barnes said.
Some students may think adopting a pet in college is too much responsibility, but many think it's a good idea for them.
"I want to adopt a pet while I'm still in college," said Cheyenne Rudowski, sophomore in art history. "I would definitely adopt from the humane society because I'd like to save an animal in need."
Peer said the donated adoption price is entirely new for the shelter.
"It's the first time we've ever done this before," Peer said. "We're really excited to see how people react to the donation amount of their choice for all the puppies and adult kennel dogs and kittens and cats, too. We're hoping it's going to really empty out our cages."
Rudowski said she thinks the promotion will be a success.
"I think it'll show how people love animals and how far they're willing to go," Rudowski said. "I think it will be successful because it's flexible for people who don't have much. They're naming their price, but also able to donate what they can in their budget."
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