HEADED INTO DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO. FRONT STREET ANIMAL SHELTER IS URGING THE PUBLIC TO ADOPT DOGS. THE STAFF SAYS THEY’RE AT CRITICAL CAPACITY, AND THEY’RE SEEING A DROP IN DOG ADOPTIONS COMPARED TO LAST YEAR. THEY’RE WAIVING ALL ADOPTION FEES THROUGH THIS SUNDAY FOR DOGS, AND THEY’RE OPEN DAILY FROM NOON TO FIVE
Front Street Animal Shelter waives dog adoption fees due to critical capacity
Updated: 11:31 PM PDT May 14, 2026
Front Street Animal Shelter is urging the public to adopt dogs as it faces critical capacity and a drop in adoptions compared to last year. Staff said they are waiving all dog adoption fees through this Sunday. “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.” Between April 1 and April 30, the shelter said it recorded 255 dog adoptions, compared to 283 during the same period last year, marking a 12% decrease. Adult-aged, large-breed dog adoptions also dropped by 12%, while puppy-aged, large-breed dog adoptions dropped by 15%, according to the shelter.The shelter is open daily from noon to 5 p.m., and adoption counselors are available to help match adopters with a dog that fits them.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Front Street Animal Shelter is urging the public to adopt dogs as it faces critical capacity and a drop in adoptions compared to last year.
Staff said they are waiving all dog adoption fees through this Sunday.
“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.”
Between April 1 and April 30, the shelter said it recorded 255 dog adoptions, compared to 283 during the same period last year, marking a 12% decrease. Adult-aged, large-breed dog adoptions also dropped by 12%, while puppy-aged, large-breed dog adoptions dropped by 15%, according to the shelter.
The shelter is open daily from noon to 5 p.m., and adoption counselors are available to help match adopters with a dog that fits them.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel