By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Humane Society of Chilton County is offering discounts on its adoption fees for medium and large dogs through the end of the year.

Until Dec. 31, the adoption fee will be $75, according to animal shelter director Jennifer Fesmire.

According to the Humane Society of Chilton County website, “Fees include spay or neuter, rabies shot, microchip, up to date on normal shots, bordetella shot, treated for fleas and dewormed. Plus, you get a free vet visit with a Chilton County vet within three days of adoption.”

Credit and debit cards as well as cash and checks are accepted at the shelter.

Applications can be filled out at the shelter. Fesmire said applications are approved on a case-by-case basis.

The majority of animals that come into the shelter are brought in by owners who, for one reason or another, can no longer care for the pet.

Fesmire said it is important for those considering adopting an animal to realize it needs to be a permanent decision.

“It’s a commitment that is lifelong for the animal,” Fesmire said.

How having a pet would fit into future plans and whether anyone in the family has pet allergies should be considered.

Fesmire said potential pet owners should make sure the pet will be a good fit for them before applying to adopt an animal.

These considerations can limit the number of animals that are brought to the shelter.

One way to find out if an animal would be a good fit is to spend some time with it through the shelter’s Doggy Day Out program. This program allows a potential pet owner to take a dog home for a few days to see how they get along with family members and the potential home environment.

Fesmire said the program has led to a few adoptions for the shelter.

Those interested in participating in the program need to have a driver’s license and valid vehicle license plate. Participants must also sign a waiver stating that they will not hold the Humane Society responsible for any damages caused by the dog.

The shelter has 55 dogs and 45 cats ready for adoption. The adoption fee for cats is $50 for kittens under 6 months and $25 for cats 6 months and older.

Fesmire said the Greater Birmingham Humane Society has also contacted the Humane Society of Chilton County and will be taking some of the shelter’s larger dogs.

The animal shelter is located at 139 Shade Tree Drive in Clanton. The shelter is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. and alternating Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. The shelter will be closed on Dec. 22. The shelter will be open on Dec. 29.

The shelter is closed on Thursdays and Sundays.