Edmonton Humane Society shifts to walk-in adoption process to quickly find pets their forever homes

In an effort to find more animals their forever home more quickly, the Edmonton Humane Society is changing the way it adopts out pets.

Starting this Friday, the EHS will be moving back to a walk-in, in-person adoption process.

“We expect that the adoption process will become more efficient and we’re going to help more pets find homes more quickly,” Dr. Ted Purcell with the EHS said.

As a way to keep staff and members of the public safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the society moved to an online, appointment-based approach to pet adoption. But the EHS said it’s time to welcome people back into the building.

“It served us really well having the appointment-based system during COVID,” EHS CEO Liza Sunley said. “But we know that it’s time to move back. We’ve had a lot of interest from the community in walk-ins and doing their adoptions on the spot. We’re always looking for ways to improve the process.”

4:20 Adopt a Pet: Ross the puppy

The EHS hopes going back to the walk-in process will potentially lead to animals being taken home on the same day they’re adopted, saving a few days on the overall adoption process.

“Anything we can do to minimize the length of stay for animals in the shelter is really important,” Sunley said. “We provide a wonderful shelter experience for the animals, but we know there’s no place like home. We want to move them through this process as quickly as possible.

“Ultimately we know that when we adopt those animals it makes space for the next one that needs our help.”

People will now be able to come back into the EHS building and walk through and view the animals. Anyone interested in a specific pet can scan a QR code on the outside of their shelter and start the adoption process right from their device.

In conjunction with the change in the adoption process, the EHS is launching “Spring Them Home” adoption days on Friday.

The event runs from April 19 to April 28. During this time, adoption fees will be discounted. In addition, Purcell said fees will be reduced for training classes for dogs adopted during this event, if the classes are booked within six months of adoption.

Purcell expects to see more people coming through the doors of the humane society during the adoption event, so people are encouraged to come out as early as possible as adoptions are done on a first-come, first-served basis.

One of the pups currently up for adoption is four-month-old Ross. He’s a neutered large breed cross, who came into the humane society with his littermates in March.

“Initially shy when he meets new people, but quickly warms up with patience and some tasty treats,” Purcell said, adding he’s a “cuddle bug” once he warms up.

One of Ross’s favourite pastimes is playing with dog toys, including stuffies and balls. Because he grew up with so many siblings, Purcell believes Ross would do well in a home with other dogs.

The humane society is currently working with Ross on his walking skills.

“He’s a loyal, loving companion who can’t wait to find a home,” Purcell said.

For any Friends fans out there, Ross’s brothers Chandler and Joey are also available for adoption.

Sunley said the EHS is getting back to pre-pandemic adoption numbers. During the pandemic, the organization was adopting out about 2,000 pets per year. Last year, nearly 3,500 animals found their forever homes.

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