There’s been a big influx of cats this year at PAWS and More in Washington with 80 more cats and kittens than it can house at the shelter. Director Amber Talbot says these cats need homes, “The numbers are just, are just staggering, and so we still need the support of the community to come out and adopt.” The shelter so far this year has had two kitten showers and participated in a national Clear the Shelters event to help find animals forever homes.

Talbot says in response the shelter has lowered the adoption cost from it’s normal $100 fee, “[We’re] letting down some barriers and making it accessible to have a pet if you have a wonderful home, and a heart to open and a door to open for those kitties. The adoption fee is only $40. We’re just asking for a $40 donation and that helps our bottom line with our spay/neuter expense.” People who cannot adopt can help by donating $40 to sponsor a spay or neuter surgery, or they can donate canned cat food.

PAWS also has set up a Freelance Feline Program, which is similar to the barn cats program, where cats can be indoor-outdoor pets with provided food, water, and shelter in a barn, shop building, or garage.