Pet Shelter Waives Adoption Fees for Christmas

Still looking for that last-minute gift for your family? Here's one place that's still fully stocked: the Washington Humane Society.

Because of a recent influx of surrendered pets that have no where else to go but the shelter, the Washington Humane Society is waiving the fees on all adoptions through Christmas Eve. Generally, the dog adoption fee is $170, and the cat adoption fee is $85, according to the society's website.

"As the open access shelter in DC, WHS takes in pets of all ages, sizes and breeds for a variety of reasons. No animal will ever be turned away. Sadly, this time of year is often a time when more animals are brought to WHS as families look for housing options for pets during winter vacations, or because they can’t afford the costs of their care," the society reported in a statement.

All adopters are vetted through the society's adoption questionnaire and interview process, and all pets go home spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. There is a $15 dog license fee for dog adopters living in DC, the society reported.

The Washington Humane Society's two adoption centers are located in Washington, DC, at 7319 Georgia Ave. NW and 1201 New York Ave. NE. The centers are open from noon to 7 p.m. every day except Wednesdays, when the centers are closed. During Christmas week, the centers will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Dec. 25.

To view the selection of available pets, visit www.washhumane.org/adopt, or visit the shelter centers.