About 1,200 cats, dogs will be available at Brandywine Valley SPCA's Mega Adoption Event in Delaware
Karen OkamotoMore than 1,000 animals will be up for adoption at the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s fifth biannual Mega Adoption Event this weekend in Harrington.
Dogs and cats may be adopted for $25 each at the Delaware State Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Adoptions normally cost $60 to $500 at the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
The animal shelter bills this event, held with nine other rescues and shelters, as the “largest adoption event in the country.”
At least 800 dogs and 400 cats are expected to be available, according to Linda Torelli, marketing director at the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
Most of the animals are from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, she said. Some are being brought in from other places where the animals are at risk of euthanasia and are the types that are in high demand in this region, Torelli said.
UPDATE:849 dogs, cats find homes on first day of Mega Adoption Event
Some 165 small dogs from Arizona and 80 puppies from Mississippi were flown into Delaware this past weekend.
“Those type of intakes give folks looking for a specific type or age of dog more of an opportunity to adopt and save a life rather than buying from a breeder,” Torelli said.
All the animals up for adoption will be neutered or spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. The adoption fee also includes a free post-adoption checkup at one of Brandywine Valley SPCA’s Animal Health Centers within one week of adoption.
Anyone who would like to get an early look at some of the dogs and cats may visit the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s locations in New Castle; Georgetown; and West Chester, Pennsylvania. But those will be only about a quarter of the animals that will be available at the weekend event, Torelli said. The rest of the animals are undergoing intake exams, spays or neuters or coming from other shelters.
LOST PET:Woman gets her beloved Pomeranian back after believing he was dead
What’s new
Organizers expect 5,000 or more visitors at the 2018 Mega Adoption Event.
For the first time, potential adopters may get a jump on others looking to adopt by purchasing a Mega Fast Pass for $50.
Pass holders will be given early entry at 9 a.m. or will be allowed to skip the main general admission line and get into the main adoption buildings faster. The $50 price does not include the $25 adoption fee. A single pass allows entry for five household family members and is good for only one day.
There will be 150 Mega Fast Passes available for each day. They can be bought online.
If the passes do not sell out in advance, they will be available at the fairgrounds.
On adoption days
Event organizers recommend adopters bring all family members and any dog(s) already in their home so they can meet the potential adoptees.
Visitors should also have a carrier if adopting a cat or a collar and leash if adopting a dog. Those items will be available for sale at the event, though.
Adopters should plan an hour or so to pick an animal and speak with an adoption counselor.
Anyone who can't make it to Harrington may want to visit Faithful Friends Animal Society, one of the Mega Adoption partners, instead. The shelter, at 12 Germay Drive near Wilmington, will offer dog and cat adoptions at the same price as the Mega Adoption Event – $25 – on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee normally runs $99 to $350.
Volunteers still needed
Organizers are still looking for help with the event.
“We especially need help Thursday with setup and Friday with animal intake,” Torelli said. Assistance is also needed in caring for the animals on Saturday and Sunday and with event breakdown on Sunday.
Training will be provided onsite.
Families with children 8 and older are welcome.
To apply, visit bvspca.org/megaadopt/volunteer.
Past events
In the past three years, more than 4,000 animals have been adopted at Mega Adoption Events, according to organizers. The Brandywine Valley SPCA hosts Mega Adoption Events in June and December, alternating between Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Participating shelters and rescues
The Brandywine Valley is hosting the 2018 Mega Adoption Event. Invited rescues and shelters are the Delaware Humane Association, Faithful Friends, Baltimore Rescue & Care Shelter, Crossing Paths Animal Rescue, South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina, Currituck Animal Services and Berks Animal Rescue League.
If you go
What: 2018 Mega Adoption Event
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with 9 a.m. entry for Mega Fast Pass holders
Where: Delaware State Fairgrounds, 18500 S. Du Pont Highway, Harrington
Cost: Admission is free. Adoptions cost $25. Mega Fast Passes cost $50.
More information: bvspca.org/megaadopt/
MORE PET NEWS:
Wanted: Furry four-legged friends for Bayhealth's pet therapy program
German shepherd smells gas, saves Long Neck family
After fostering Major, the Bidens adopt the German shepherd as part of family
Citing costs, Dover police turn over stray dog complaints to state
Kent County to see new Brandywine Valley SPCA pet resource center by end of year