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Pay It Forward is paying off for Metro Animal Services and its shelter pets. Hundreds of cats and dogs have been adopted into loving homes for Free since the program began! Pay It Forward relies on donations which allows MAS to waive adoption fees for certain cats and dogs. Below explains how the program works.
What is Pay It Forward Friends of Metro Animal Services, a local non-profit organization, initially donated $1,000 to cover free adoptions. FOMAS raised funds during its first-ever Pet Photos with Santa event at Animal House Adoption Center in 2016. An overwhelming success, the fundraiser paved the way for the first free adoptions of shelter pets. A variety of fundraisers continue to support the program.
How Does It Work Fundraising events and private donations continue to fund Pay It Forward, allowing LMAS to waive adoption fees for cats older than 6 months, large breed dogs weighing 40lbs or more, Pit Bulls and senior shelter pets.
Minimum donations apply for small breed dogs, puppies and kittens that do not fall under the PIF program. To adopt a small breed dog or puppy, we ask for a minimum $125 donation to PIF. The minimum donation is $55 for kittens under six months of age. Of course you can donate any amount and Pay it Forward to help cover the cost of future adoptions.
Why You Should Adopt from MAS Adopting instead of shopping saves lives. Shelter adoptions allow MAS to prevent overcrowding, eliminating euthanizations because of lack of space. Shelter adoptions are also much cheaper than going to a breeder or rescue organization. You could easily spend $200 or more on just the adoption. Donations to our Pay it Forward program not only covers the adoption fee, but the cost of spay/neuter surgery, a microchip and all vaccinations. Expect to pay a lot more elsewhere.
What is the Adoption Process While MAS is waiving adoption fees for certain shelter pets, it is not waiving the adoption process. You must fill out an application and be approved before taking home a furry companion!
If you would like to adopt from MAS, you can view our adoptable pets here or at Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Rd.). *You do not have to reside in Jefferson County to adopt from MAS.
Want to help but can’t Adopt We appreciate all donations to keep our Pay It Forward program going and save the lives of shelter pets. You can donate any amount to FOMAS/Pay it Forward. Donate $75 or more and you’ll receive a free t-shirt saying ‘I Paid it Forward’. To make a donation, click here or visit Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Rd.).
Mayor Greg Fischer today joined Metro Animal Services leaders and staff in celebrating a history-making 2017, which includes achieving no-kill status for time and space.
“Our city value of compassion absolutely extends to the animals that enrich our lives,” Mayor Fischer said. “That’s why I’m so proud that Metro Animal Services has achieved a live release rate above 90 percent, thanks to the hard work of the LMAS team, their partners and volunteers.
“We want to celebrate the work they’ve done, completing a really dramatic and impressive turnaround.”
The Mayor thanked the LMAS team and Director Ozzy Gibson, who has guided the agency’s turnaround since 2016.
“Since I got here, I’ve been impressed with the dedication of our team, partners and volunteers to the compassionate care of animal,” Gibson said. “We’re going to keep working hard, and we’ll stay committed to coming up with new ideas that lead to good outcomes for animals.”
Louisville Metro Animal Services, the city’s only open intake shelter, finished 2017 with a 93 percent live release rate — the best in its 52-year history.
And, for the first time, no animals were euthanized because of time or space. LMAS also found homes for 909 more cats and dogs compared to 2016 (3,141 vs 2,232).
Gibson said the launch and overwhelming success last year of the Pay It Forward Free Adoptions Program was a primary contributor to the turnaround. Pay It Forward is funded solely through donations, which allows LMAS to waive adoption fees for certain cats and dogs.
Key 2017 Animal Services stats:
Zero animals euthanized for time or space
- 90.8% live release rate for canines
- 93.8% live release rate for felines
- 37% increase in animal returned to owners
- 41% increase in animal adoptions
More information about Animal Services and Pay It Forward can be found at:https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services.