File photo of a dog waiting for adoption at the Oakland County animal shelter and pet adoption center. Peg McNichol/ MediaNews Group
Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center has four more employees and the ability to expand hours of operations. The change starts Saturday, Nov. 4.
Bob Gatt, the shelter and adoption center’s manager, said the longer hours will give people more opportunities to meet adoptable pets “and hopefully pick out a furever loving addition to their family.”
At least 125 dogs and more than 80 cats are available at the pet adoption center.
It will also make it easier for people to get a dog license, which is required by law.
The shelter has an unprecedented number of dogs and cats that need loving homes. In response, County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration worked with the Board of Commissioners to hire four additional employees to support the additional hours that the pet adoption center is open.
County Executive Dave Coulter supported the changes, as did the county commission.
“We want to make it as convenient and accessible as possible for residents to head to the Pet Adoption Center and check out all the great dogs and cats, who are patiently awaiting their forever home,” Coulter said.
The shelter and pet adoption center will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and the pet-adoption center will remain open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Nov. 7. The shelter is also open for appointments from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday; people should call (248) 858-1070 to schedule a visit.
Dog licenses for 2024 are available beginning Dec. 1. Proof of a current rabies vaccine is required to purchase a license. The shelter offers free rabies vaccines every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. until noon. Pet owners can buy a dog license at that time.
The Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Bldg. 42E, in Pontiac. To learn more about pet adoption opportunities, call (248) 858-1070, email petadoption@oakgov.com or visit to www.oakgov.com/petadoption.