With Christmas coming soon, Shelter Director Alan Canady is looking forward to seeing abandoned animals have a place to call home for the holidays.
To make that happen, the Sampson County Animal Shelter is extending its hours in November and December, beyond the regular 1 to 5 p.m. shift, for adoptions.
“Every year during the holidays, we try to increase adoptions and rescues,” Canady said. “Usually during this time of year is the biggest for adoptions. A lot of people want a new animals for the holidays.”
This year, the shelter will be open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for adoptions on Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15 and 17. The shelter will also be open Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. for adoptions only on Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12, and 19.
By extending the hours, Canady said the shelter will become more accessible for people who leave work after 5 or 6 p.m. He said it’s the first year, the shelter’s hours will be extended during the week.
“Last year, we were just open for three Saturdays,” he said.
During the 2014 holiday season, about 30 animals found new homes throughout Sampson County. With Tuesdays and Thursdays being added to the mix, Canady hopes that amount increases for 2015. In addition, the shelter works to send some to rescue facilities as well.
The extended hours, is just one of many efforts to increase adoptions during the year.
“We’re going to look for more ways throughout the year to have adoption events,” he said.
Usually, about 40 animals are available for adoption. But Canady said the amount may change depending on how many animals leave the shelter for various reasons. The shelter is a department of Sampson County and houses stray, homeless, seized, abandoned and unwanted animals.
For more information, contact the Sampson County Animal Shelter at 910-592-8493. The shelter is located at 168 Agriculture Place, Clinton. Shelter officials may also be reached for adoption opportunities by email at [email protected].