Centre County PAWS Waives Adoption Fees for Holiday Season

Centre County PAWS is hoping to give more pets a home for the holidays.

The nonprofit animal shelter is waiving adoption fees for adult cats and dogs (age 1 and older) through Dec. 17. All other normal adoption procedures apply during the “Home for the Holidays” promotion.

“All of our dogs and cats deserve to be in warm, loving homes for the holidays, but it’s especially important to highlight our adults,” Hannah Beck, PAWS operations manager, said in a news release. “They have just as much love to give as any of our puppies or kittens, but tend to take longer to be adopted and often struggle to settle into the shelter environment.”

All PAWS animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations, according to the organization. A voucher for a free first veterinarian visit in Centre County also is included with adoption.

Prospective adopters should visit the PAWS website to see the cats and dogs available and apply online in advance of visiting the Adoption and Education Center at 1401 Trout Road, to help expedite the process. Visiting hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

PAWS has responded to more challenges in 2023 than ever before, Executive Director Lisa Bahr said. That includes a rise in the number of abandoned dogs, kittens being brought in on an almost daily basis and a struggle to keep up with community need for PAWS’ Virginia Walker Pet Pantry.

“We rely completely on the generosity of our community of animal lovers to keep saving lives,” Bahr said. “We hope those who can welcome a new adult family member into their home this holiday season, will come out and see our animals!” 

For more about PAWS and the holiday promotion, visit centrecountypaws.org or call (814) 237-8722.