LAPS Schedules Open Houses, Waives Cat Adoption Fees

Research Shows Fee-Waived Adoptions Can Be a Winning Solution for Shelters, Adopters and Cats Alike

To celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month this June, the Lycoming Animal Protection Society (“LAPS”), in collaboration with the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (“ASPCA”) and the makers of Fresh Step® litter (“Fresh Step”), is participating in a fee-waived adoption program to help find loving homes for cats. 
 
ASPCA research recently published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that waiving fees for adult cats boosts adoptions without diminishing the value adopters place on their cats. Plus, surprisingly, fee-waived adoptions may actually decrease shelter costs by reducing the average length of stay for adult cats, and also could increase donations and shelter gift shop sales due to an increase in adopters.  

“On average, it costs our shelter $125/day just in veterinary costs to care for the shelter cats,” says Patti Barclay, Vice President of the LAPS Board of Directors.  “Often times, adoption fees don’t even offset those costs. By offering fee-waived adoptions for adult cats, we can reduce the length of stay at the shelter and find forever homes for our older residents who could otherwise face a lifetime at the shelter.” 

Purrfect Way to Help
LAPS will host two Open House and Fee-Waived Adoption Events on Sunday, June 19, and Sunday, June 26. Between 12– 4 p.m., guests can meet the shelter cats and talk with shelter volunteers to find the “purrfect” addition to their family. The free adoptions apply to cats ages 3 and older. All other adoption policies and thorough match-making procedures will remain in effect. 

“Our Open House events are always very well attended,” notes Barclay, “and the donations, younger cat and kitten adoptions, as well as sale of gift shop items during the Open House will help offset the costs associated with the free adoptions. And ultimately, the cats will find loving homes. It’s a win-win for all.”

If there isn’t room at home for a fabulous feline, there are other ways to help! Join us at our Open House on Sunday, June 19 for Father’s Day, and make a donation in honor of dad.

You can also learn more about volunteer opportunities, or bring an item from our wish list: bleach, paper towels, laundry detergent, dish detergent, antibacterial hand soap, copy paper, tall kitchen garbage bags, postage stamps, cat food (dry and canned), dried catnip, scoopable cat litter, brooms, or gift cards. To learn more about the Open House and Fee-Waived Adoption Events, visit www.LapsShelter.org/June

In addition, from June 1 through July 31, simply “Like” Fresh Step’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/freshstep. With that simple action, the makers of Fresh Step litter will donate $1 (up to $100,000) to the ASPCA to help expand programs like this and get more cats adopted. 
 
LAPS is located at at 195 Phillips Park Drive in South Williamsport.  

About Lycoming Animal Protection Society
Since 1992, LAPS has provided refuge for many homeless, abused and unwanted cats and kittens at its no-kill feline shelter and adoption center located in South Williamsport. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is managed and staffed completely by volunteers, and relies solely on the generosity of donors, fundraisers, and adoption revenue to cover operational costs and care for the animals. LAPS serves as a safe haven for cats and kittens until they can find a permanent, loving home through our adoption program. For more information, visit www.LapsShelter.org  
 
 
About Fresh Step®  Litter
Fresh Step® Litter is a product of The Clorox Pet Products Company, a subsidiary of The Clorox Company, headquartered in Oakland, Calif.  The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with 8,300 employees and fiscal year 2010 revenues of $5.53 billion. For more information about Fresh Step® litter, visit www.freshstep.com.  Follow Fresh Step on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freshstep or on twitter at @freshsteplitter.
 
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.