All dogs and cats at the South Animal Care Center will be free for the entire month of December in hopes of finding them that perfect home for the holidays. The shelter has run similar promotions in the past, with this particular event being paid for by donations from the Boniface Hiers automobile dealership. Not only will the animals be free, some will be transported to multiple events throughout Brevard County, such as the Space Coast Motorcycle Alliance Toy Fest, where attendees will be able to greet a select from a group of adoptable dogs or cats.

“I usually do not bring both dogs and cats since cats get stressed out around dogs and dogs usually like to chase cats which adds up to a stressful situation all around,” Special Events Coordinator Ginger Rymer said. 

Rymer added that several variables can impact pet adoptions.

“We have been successful at Space Coast Harley Davidson events with adoptions. But we have also been to events at Space Coast Harley Davidson and haven’t gotten one animal adopted in the past,” she said. “After Hurricane Irma, our adoptions have slowed down since everyone is still recovering from the hurricane.”

Despite Rymer’s concerns, sophomore Julia Travis said she’s ecstatic about the free-adoption deal.

“I’m getting a dog,” she said. “We were planning on getting a dog around January or over the summer, but now there’s a higher chance we’ll get one sooner.” 

All adoptions at the South Animal Care Center include spay/neuter, microchip, current vaccination, free medical insurance for 30 days through Trupanion and county tag (with approved application).

Without the promotion, the shelter’s typical price is $25 for dogs. Cats are free for the entire year.

“I like pit bulls. Everybody has such a bad view of them, but they’re adorable,” Travis said, describing her dream adoption. “How can you hate them, they’re just dogs.”

December will surely bring about a good number of happy pit bulls being placed into new homes. A full list of the events the shelter animals will be represented at for the next few weeks is as follows:

Dec. 2-3:

Space Coast Motorcycle Alliance Toy Fest at Space Coast Harley Davidson

Dec. 9:

Handle Bars for Holidays at BCSO Farm, starting at 10 a.m.

Woof, Wag, and Wiggle at Wickham Park, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Titusville Christmas Parade at Titusville High School, starting at 6 p.m.

Dec. 10:

Melbourne Adoption Event at Windover Farms, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Garfield Play at the King Center, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 16:

PSJ Christmas Parade at 9 a.m.

Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

By Emily Lovelock