Salt Lake City (ABC4) — Best Friends Animal Association is offering free adoptions at select locations in the days leading up to Valentine's Day in honor of the organization's 20th anniversary.
Best Friends Animal Society is a national organization working to eliminate animal killing in shelters by 2025, with two major locations in Utah. Salt Lake City “Lifesaving Center” And that Kanab Reserve — Participating in a free recruitment period through February 14th.
Best Friends Animal Association says shelters across the country are near or already at capacity as people go to breeders and pet stores instead of adopting pets.
Frankie Brummett, president of Best Friends Animal Society, told ABC4.com that many shelters in Utah are taking in many dogs.
“We try to move animals from other shelters to our shelter and get them adopted,” Brummett said. “So by waiving these fees, we can adopt out more animals and adopt out more animals from other shelters.”
On Super Bowl Sunday, the Best Friends Animal Society venue in Salt Lake City held a pup “tail” gate party, with giveaways, treats, and a chance for attendees to spend time with available pups.
Brummett acknowledged that there are some concerns with free adoption fees, including owners adopting pets when their personalities may not be compatible.
“We actually found that whether you paid $0 or $200 for an animal, people still loved the animal,” Brummett said. “Waiving these fees means you can use that money for other things for your pet.”
Tom Nez attended Sunday's event with no intention of taking home a new pet, but the time he spent with the free puppy, named Bear, changed his mind.
“No adoption fee means there are many possibilities for Bear to get what he needs,” Nez said.
In addition to waiving fees at major lifesaving centers here in Utah, the organization also offers free adoptions at more than 150 facilities, in addition to major cities like New York City and Los Angeles. network partner All over the country.