The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee credits restructured fees and increased awareness with a surge in 2014 adoptions. The shelter facilitated 383 adoptions in 2014, 100 more than the previous year. Another 21 animals were released to humane rescue groups.
In a presentation to Allen City Council on April 28, committee chairperson Justin Schiffner said restructured fees helped increase adoption rates. The current $95 adoption fee includes vaccination, sterilization and a microchip.
The shelter also increased its reach on social media, leading to more adoptions. The Allen Animal Shelter Facebook page currently has 1,200 likes and reaches approximately 23,000 people. Adoption events, including a partnership with PetSmart, helped bring additional awareness to the shelter.