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$0 Adult Dog & Cat Adoptions | June 26-28

June 27 @ 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
june 2026 waived fee adoption promotion event graphic

Help Create Lifesaving Space Before the July Intake Surge

Cincinnati Animal CARE is calling on the community to help as our shelter remains critically full with 842 animals currently in care. Just days after declaring a CODE RED capacity emergency, we are launching a special adoption promotion to help create urgently needed space before the anticipated increase in lost, stray, and surrendered pets that accompanies the Fourth of July holiday and peak summer intake season.

From Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28, adoption fees will be waived for all eligible adult dogs and cats, making it easier than ever to welcome a new companion into your home while helping save lives.

The need is immediate. Despite an incredible outpouring of community support following our recent emergency plea, animals continue entering care faster than they are leaving. Last weekend alone, Cincinnati Animal CARE took in 89 animals while 61 animals found homes through adoption, resulting in a net increase of 28 animals in our system.

Every adoption creates space for the next animal who needs shelter, medical care, and a second chance.

Event Details

Dates: Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28

Hours: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Locations:

  • Cincinnati Animal CARE Main Shelter, 3949 Colerain Avenue
  • Cincinnati Animal CARE Dane Avenue Campus, 4210 Dane Avenue
  • Participating PetSmart adoption events
  • Eligible animals currently living in foster homes

Adoption Promotion

All dogs and cats 6 months of age and older are eligible for waived adoption fees during this event.

Adopters will pay only:

  • $5 adoption service fee
  • $19.75 Hamilton County dog license fee (required for Hamilton County residents adopting a dog)

Same-day adoptions are available with a valid state-issued ID.

Why This Event Matters

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for animal shelters. Warmer weather, increased outdoor activity, summer storms, and the upcoming Fourth of July holiday all contribute to higher numbers of lost pets entering shelters.

Our goal is simple: create as much space as possible before that surge arrives.

When shelters operate at or above capacity, resources become stretched and staff, volunteers, and foster homes work tirelessly to meet the needs of every animal in care. Adoptions are one of the most effective ways the community can help.

By adopting during this event, you are not only gaining a new family member, you are directly opening a kennel, cage, or foster placement for another animal who may need our help tomorrow.

Visit Dane Avenue

While both shelter locations are participating, we are especially encouraging adopters to visit our Dane Avenue campus at 4210 Dane Avenue, where more than 200 dogs and cats are currently waiting for homes.

The campus recently unveiled new dog play yards made possible through the generosity of The Benny Fund. These new enrichment spaces provide dogs with opportunities for exercise, socialization, and stress relief while they wait for their families to find them.

Whether you are looking for a playful companion, a laid-back couch buddy, a walking partner, or a feline friend, there are hundreds of wonderful animals ready to meet you.

What Is Included With Adoption?

Every adopted animal leaves fully prepared for life in their new home.

All adopted animals are:

  • Spayed or neutered
  • Microchipped
  • Up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations
  • Examined by veterinary staff

Dog adopters also receive:

  • Free dog training support
  • Starter food and resources
  • Continued access to community pet support services

Choosing adoption is one of the most affordable and responsible ways to add a pet to your family, and every adoption helps reintegrate a fully vetted animal back into the community.

Ready to Adopt?

No appointment is necessary. Simply visit during adoption hours, meet the animals, and speak with our adoption team about finding the best match for your lifestyle. Whether you have been considering adding a pet to your family for months or have just started looking, this weekend presents a unique opportunity to make a lifesaving difference.

Hundreds of dogs and cats are waiting for a second chance. With your help, we can create the space needed for the animals still to come. Join us June 26-28 and help turn a shelter emergency into a community success story!

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