County offers free adoptions of shelter animals

Ocala Gazette publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty recently adopted a 10-month-old canine through the FIDO Program, a partnership between Marion County Animal Services and the Marion Correctional Institution Work Camp. [Photo by Jennifer Hunt Murty]

Marion County Animal Services is reporting that the shelter is at critical capacity with more than 292 puppies/dogs and 300 kittens/cats in its care. Through Sept. 10, the organization is offering free adoptions for all canines, felines and other animals.

The endeavor is part of the Clear the Shelters nationwide initiative, hosted by NBCUniversal and dedicated to finding loving homes for shelter animals, according to materials from the county. More than 1 million pets have found forever homes because of this program since 2015. By participating in this event, Marion County Animal Services hopes to empty its kennels and create space for more animals in need of shelter.

“We encourage everyone to consider adopting a pet,” said Kyra Lynch, animal services director at Marion County Animal Services, in the news release. “Our shelter is filled with amazing animals that deserve a chance at a happy life and we hope to find loving homes for as many pets as possible during Clear the Shelters month. Even if you can’t commit permanently, you can foster or help in other ways.”

All adopted pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Adoption specialists will be available to assist potential adopters in finding the perfect companion.

Marion County Animal Services is located at 5701 SE 66th St., Ocala. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

To learn more, including seeing the animals available for adoption, go to marionfl.org/animalservices
For information about the FIDO program, go to animalservices.marionfl.org/animal-center/fido-project