Maricopa County animal shelters waiving pet adoption fees

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County animal shelter system has waived adoption fees for the next week but is keeping social distancing in mind during the process.

Free adoptions of dogs and cats at the West and East Valley animal care centers began Tuesday and will tentatively end April 2, the county said in a press release.

That will include licensing for dogs but not puppies (less than 5 months old).

The push to empty the shelters comes at a time when federal guidelines recommend no more than 10 people gather in any single setting to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

“Safety is our primary concern and we continue to take precautions based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and other agencies, which include distancing, cleanliness and fewer than 10 people in enclosed areas,” the county said.

Potential owners are required to make an appointment before they can meet with an adoption counselor, a measure previously in effect.

If a counselor is unavailable at the set time, the client will be added to wait list and will be contacted later.

Only two pet visits per client are allowed.

Follow @KTAR923