BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 Kern County Animal Services is inviting county residents to take part in its \u201cJust 1 Dog\u201d initiative, which aims to help save the lives of dogs through adoption, foster care and community partnerships.<\/p>\n
KCAS said the number of dogs returned to the shelter after being adopted during the pandemic is continuing to push California shelters \u201cwell beyond\u201d their capacity.<\/p>\n
KCAS also said that \u201cevery individual effort counts\u201d when it comes to helping pets get adopted or fostered.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy 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,\u201d KCAS said in a release. \u201cIf only 350 people commit to adopting or fostering a pet on Saturday, May 9th, the Kern County Animal Shelter will be empty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Watch 17 News, After Sunrise and more local news free on your smart TV. Click to learn more about KGET+ <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n KCAS said that fostering a dog or cat can help relieve overcrowding in shelters and provide animals with \u201chealing, comfort, and socialization.\u201d<\/p>\n KCAS added that animal rescue partners are encouraged to pull a single dog from KCAS because \u201cone dog at a time makes a significant difference.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we think about how challenging the last 4 years have been, it\u2019s hard to imagine an animal shelter in Kern County being empty,\u201d Nick Cullen, director of KCAS, said. \u201cBut 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\u2019t have to imagine an empty shelter, because it will be a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information about Kern County Animal Services or the event, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n