LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) is offering free dog and cat adoption until Monday, July 11, to reduce kennel capacity to accommodate new animals brought in each day.

In addition to free pet adoption, people who adopt will also get a free bag of dog food and a $25 gift certificate from Feeders Pet Supply. 

The Netter family popped into LMAS’s Animal House Adoption Center Wednesday in search of a new family member. The first dog the family met was a black Labrador retriever named Oakley. 

Raymond Netter said he wants a dog to play with. 

“And maybe sometimes when I am in bed asleep, he can also sleep with me,” the 12-year-old said.

Mom Michele Netter said she wants free therapy.

“I know that animals, they are very sensitive to human emotions, that they care about you when you are down, and that’s what we wanted. Plus, we wanted to take care of them too,” she said.

While Dad Greg Netter said he is looking for a dog with the right energy.

Currently, all pet adoptions are free at the Animal House Adoption Center. Normally, cats under six months old cost $100 while dogs under 40 pounds cost $150. Plus, there is a $10 licensing free if the adoptee lives in Jefferson County.

Interim Director of Louisville Metro Animal Services Ashley Book told Spectrum News the city’s shelter at maximum capacity leading into Fourth of July weekend since there was only one kennel available last Thursday.

“And nobody wants to euthanize an adoptable animals just because there’s nowhere for it to go,” she said.

Book said the shelter has been a no kill facility for five years. To keep that status, the shelter called on people to foster animals or adopt, offering a free adoptions promotion, to try to prevent euthanization.

“The fact that the shelter was trying not to lose their no kill status, it really pulled on my heart,” Michele said.

“We did 76 adoptions over the weekend,” Book said. ”Man, [the community] really stepped up. It has been awesome. You can see behind me, it is still hopping today.”

However, even though a lot of pets found new homes over the weekend, new ones arrive everyday.

In a press release last week, LMAS stated, “As the city’s only open admission shelter for stray animals, LMAS has taken in 850 more animals this year compared to last year.”

Book told Spectrum News that while 76 pets were adopted over Fourth of July weekend, there were also 60 new arrivals. On Tuesday this week, there were 22 new arrivals. Book explained that full shelters aren’t just a Louisville problem, but a Kentucky and nationwide one, too.

“We can only assume [it’s] COVID, everyone’s still seeing these COVID repercussions. You know, evictions have resumed so people might be letting their dogs out or cats out for that, puppies that they may have gotten during covid and just can’t care for anymore, inflation,” Book listed off as possible reasons why animal shelters are packed. 

Adopting a pet is already a rewarding experience that is priceless. Getting a pet for free makes it that much better.

“Everyone needs some furry therapy, and if you can’t afford it, it’s well worth it to come here,” Michele said.

LMAS is also waiving redemption fees for unclaimed pets through Mon., July 11. Book said a lot of pets go missing around Fourth of July because fireworks anxiety can cause them to escape. 

Redemption fees will only be waived for pet owners with no previous violations, and cover micro-chipping, licensing and vaccination fees. Court fees will not be waived. LMAS will work with owners who have outstanding balances and want to reclaim their pet. Owners can claim their impounded pet Monday thru Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. ET, at the LMAS Harshaw Family Foundation Shelter at 3528 Newburg Road. 

Animal House Adoption Center is open Monday through Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. ET. On Friday, the shelter is open until 7 p.m. ET. 

After the free adoptions end on July 11, LMAS will still offer its free adoptions for cats over 6 months old and for dogs over 40 pounds.

To view adoptable pets at LMAS or stray pets currently at the shelter, visit louisvilleky.gov/animalservices.