Pet Adoptions Are Up, But Many More Need Homes

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The year 2010 ended with a bang--or a bark---at one city shelter.  Despite a slow economy, adoptions were significantly up.

But, as Andrea Fujii explains, there are still lots of animals that need homes.

In 2010, 3,300 dogs and cats were adopted from BARCS animal shelter, up 13 percent from 2009.

"It's really great because every year, our numbers go up, but this year, they went up such a tremendous amount," said manager Debra Rahl.

They take in 33 animals every day, but in a slow economy, people are adopting, thanks to monthly specials.

"It's only a dollar to adopt a cat or dog that's been at the shelter for over a week," Rahl said.

Mitchell Nadelberg's family is looking for another dog. They're excited to take advantage of the $1 special.

"Feels better when you can adopt a dog, give a dog a second chance," Nadelberg said.

As the new year starts, workers say pet supply donations drop off and they could always use more donations of towels, paper towels and bleach.

The Baltimore Humane Society also saw an increase in adoptions in 2010.  Due to construction at the Maryland SPCA, their adoptions were slightly down.