BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County Animal Services is inviting county residents to take part in its “Just 1 Dog” initiative, which aims to help save the lives of dogs through adoption, foster care and community partnerships.

KCAS said the number of dogs returned to the shelter after being adopted during the pandemic is continuing to push California shelters “well beyond” their capacity.

KCAS also said that “every individual effort counts” when it comes to helping pets get adopted or fostered.

“By adopting, fostering or rescuing just one dog, residents and partner organizations can make a meaningful impact on shelter overcrowding and help provide safe, loving outcomes for animals in need,” KCAS said in a release. “If only 350 people commit to adopting or fostering a pet on Saturday, May 9th, the Kern County Animal Shelter will be empty.”

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All adoption fees for both cats and dogs will be waived from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the event at the KCAS located at 3951 Fruitvale Ave.

KCAS said that fostering a dog or cat can help relieve overcrowding in shelters and provide animals with “healing, comfort, and socialization.”

KCAS added that animal rescue partners are encouraged to pull a single dog from KCAS because “one dog at a time makes a significant difference.”

“When we think about how challenging the last 4 years have been, it’s hard to imagine an animal shelter in Kern County being empty,” Nick Cullen, director of KCAS, said. “But if less than one tenth of one percent of the people that live in Kern County made a decision to adopt or foster just one dog on Saturday May 9th, we won’t have to imagine an empty shelter, because it will be a reality.”

For more information about Kern County Animal Services or the event, click here.

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