‘Adopt-A-Thon’ Gives Families Opportunities to Adopt for Less

The Summit County Animal Control Facility is hosting the ninth annual event where adoption fees are lowered to $10.

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Megan Parker

This is Dez, a 1-year-old brown and white beagle at the Summit County Animal Control Facility, who is available to be adopted.

By Brooklyn Dennison and Megan Parker

Summit County is holding their ninth annual Adopt-A-Thon on Saturday, Oct. 27, where all available animals from the Division of Animal Control can be adopted for $10.

A poster promoting the Adopt-A-Thon on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (Photo courtesy of the Summit County Division of Animal Control)

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Summit County Animal Control Facility, located at 250 Opportunity Parkway in downtown Akron.

Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise are sponsoring this year’s event with the hopes of families giving the animals a safe place to call home.

“I am proud to support the Summit County Adopt-A-Thon again this year,” Scalise said. “My office will be there to ensure every dog leaves with a County dog license, to keep them safe and legal.”

According to a press release, animals will be fully vetted, meaning they have received flea-treatment, blood work, de-worming, vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered.

Anyone who adopts a dog must purchase a 2018 Summit County Dog License for $18, according to the press release.

Also, people will need to bring a valid driver’s license to adopt an animal, Fatheree said.

In the past, the Adopt-A-Thons have been a huge success, Director of the Department of Animal Control Christine Fatheree, said.

“People sometimes wait in line hours to be the first ones to get to see the animals,” Fatheree said.

The Adopt-A-Thon started eight years ago when the animal shelter moved from their old facility, that was located at 460 E. North Street, to their current facility.

Megan Parker
One of the several cats available for adoption during the Adopt-A-Thon.

Not wanting to move all their animals and risk causing issues, the shelter hosted a huge event, Fatheree said.

Megan Parker
This is Megan, a white and red pit bull at available for adoption on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018.

Now, with the previous success of this event, Shapiro said she encourages families to attend with the possibility of giving an animal a new home.

Megan Parker
Another one of the several cats awaiting adoption.

“The Division of Animal Control continues to demonstrate their commitment to animal care and adoption awareness,” Shapiro said. “I encourage families in Summit County to come to the event and help us give these animals their forever home.”