HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle is set to join Huntsville Animal Services Director Dr. Karen Sheppard to urge the community to give shelter dogs a second chance for a furever home.

The event was held on Friday, May 19 at Huntsville Animal Services, located at 4950 Triana Blvd. SW.

(City of Huntsville)

“It’s not just the work here that the shelter staff does, but it’s so much our community, said Sheppard. “Just this week, we sent out ten different groups of animals to ten different families, so that they will raise them over the next two-to-three weeks. Without those foster homes, we wouldn’t be able to save their lives. So National Rescue Dog Day is really a celebration of the community, along with all the work here that is done at the shelter and all the other rescue partners.”

To help the shelter’s overcrowded kennels, Huntsville Animal Services is recognizing National Rescue Dog Day on Saturday, May 20, and will waive adoption fees on most adult pets through the end of May.

The shelter has several urgent animals that need loving homes. Whether dogs go home through adoption or temporarily through the foster program, Sheppard said clearing the kennels should be a top priority for city residents hoping to help their community.

Every pet is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before leaving the shelter. The animals also come with a city license and a free bag of pet food (while supplies last). 

Officials will also remind pet owners and potential adopters of the importance of spay and neuter programs as it greatly reduces the strain on the shelter and its operation.

The event came one day ahead of National Rescue Dog Day on Saturday, May 20.