Shelter animals steal hearts with ‘Be Our Valentine’ event

In hopes of showing gratitude and spreading love this holiday, the Johnson City-Washington County Animal Shelter held its Be Our Valentine event on Saturday Feb. 12.

The shelter’s mission for this event was to thank the community for the support they receive and invite the public to visit all animals available for adoption. By having people walk, play, take pictures and interact with the dogs and cats, love was in the air, and the animals got to socialize with new people.

Elizabeth Sullivan, Assistant Director for the shelter, finds special events like these beneficial for both the organization and animals. Because of “understaffing and overfull issues,” running specials with a lower price point of $15-$35 adoption fees promotes people to adopt.

“This is our way to thank the community and donors for their support,” said Sullivan.

With all of their promotions going towards the Valentine value of love, the shelter’s goal was to benefit the animals along with gathering the community. With intentions to adopt or not, the shelter wanted to encourage people to come visit so they could show all of the available dogs and cats extra love and attention this holiday season.

The Washington County Animal Shelter hosts multiple holiday-themed events throughout the year, such as a Christmas toy drive and bring a treat on Halloween. During most of these events, they promote fundraising and community reach for adoptions and donations.

Additionally, adoption rates are fixed lower for these events, but will vary, along with free microchipping, vaccines, spay and neuter procedures and flea treatment available.

Since there are always animals in need of a home, the Washington County Animal shelter invites the public to come visit the shelter in Johnson City at 3411 North Roan Street, open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

People who were not able to attend the Be Our Valentine event can find photos of the animals available for adoption dressed in Valentine-themed outfits on the shelter’s Facebook page.