Town of Hempstead to Hold Free Pet Adoption Fair

Hempstead Town to Host Free Pet Adoption Fair, Rabies Clinic at Town Animal Shelter.


Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla and the Town Animal Shelter will host the Adopt-a-Pet Fair and Rabies Clinic on September 24, 2011, an annual event at which town residents can adopt a pet and have it vaccinated, microchipped and spayed/neutered, all free of charge.

"We're giving our residents an opportunity to find the pet of their dreams and have it vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped to help keep him or her safe and healthy for life," said Murray. "You can't put a price on unconditional love. That's why, for new pet owners, we're offering these services at no charge."

The event caps the town's three-month Summer of Love program, during which all pet adoption fees were waived. During the promotional period, 136 cats and 148 dogs were adopted from the Animal Shelter. The town has permanently waived fees for senior citizens, veterans, volunteer firefighters, auxiliary police officers, and the physically challenged.

In addition to helping animals find homes, Hempstead Town is committed to ensuring their safety. The Town Clerk's office will be issuing licenses for dogs, which entails a modest fee of $10 for spayed or neutered animals (owner must provide spay/neuter certificate). All dogs receiving rabies vaccinations must be licensed and pre-registered, which can be done by calling the Animal Shelter at (516) 785-5220. The fee for a rabies shot is $10. Rabies vaccinations are being provided courtesy of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association.

A pet adopted at the event will receive free rabies vaccinations, microchipping and spay/neuter. New owners will only be charged for licensing their dog. Current pet owners can take advantage of these services for a modest fee.

"I am proud to partner with Supervisor Murray and the Animal Shelter to provide these great services for our residents," said Bonilla. "Not only are we matching these animals with caring families, but we’re making sure they are in good health."

"In a perfect world, every pet would have a home and every home would have a pet," said Cindy Iacopella, Assistant Director of the Town Animal Shelter. "Here at the Animal Shelter, we're working to find loving homes for as many of these animals as we can."

Supervisor Murray would like to thank all who contributed to planning this year's event, including Town Clerk Bonilla, Town Animal Shelter staff and the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association.

"We encourage all town residents to come out this Saturday and adopt a new pet," said Murray. "These animals need a loving family, and what better place for them to call home than in one of our great communities here in the Town of Hempstead!"