Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento is waiving dog adoption fees this week due to critical capacity issues, urging adopters to help save more animals.

SACRAMENTO, Calif — Front Street Animal Shelter is waiving all dog adoption fees through Sunday, May 17, as the Sacramento shelter faces critical capacity and a decline in dog adoptions.

The shelter said full kennels are making it harder to take in stray animals that arrive daily and need care and shelter.

Between April 1 and April 30, Front Street recorded 255 dog adoptions, down from 283 during the same period in 2025 — a 12% decrease overall. Adult-aged, large-breed dog adoptions also dropped 12%, while puppy-aged, large-breed dog adoptions declined 15%.

“There are many factors that affect adopter behavior and pet ownership, including the economy, housing insurance restrictions, adoption trends for particular breeds, rising pet ownership costs, and other factors,” said Ryan Hinderman, Interim Shelter Manager at Front Street Animal Shelter. “The great thing about adopting is it’s one of the least expensive ways to get a pet. Our adoption fees are low, often free, and all animals come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, essential services that would cost over $1,000 at a private veterinarian.” 

Shelter officials said many of the dogs currently waiting for homes are friendly and ready to join families.

“These are truly wonderful dogs who are simply waiting for someone to give them a chance,” Hinderman said. “We urgently need adopters to step forward and help us create space for the animals continuing to come through our doors every day. By adopting, you’re not only changing that dog’s life, but you’re also helping us save even more animals in need.” 

The shelter said it has dogs of all sizes, ages and energy levels available for adoption at the shelter and in foster homes. Adoption counselors are available to help match adopters with dogs that fit their lifestyle, home and experience level. 

All adopted dogs will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before going home.

Front Street Animal Shelter, located at 2127 Front St., is open daily from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Adoptable dogs can also be viewed online through the shelter’s adoptable dogs page.

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