Free and $10 Pet Adoptions Begin Friday in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties
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The two local shelters are joining BISSELL Pet Foundation’s national Empty the Shelters campaign from September 18 through 30.
Escambia County and Santa Rosa County residents have a lower-cost opportunity to adopt a dog or cat beginning Friday, September 18.
During BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters campaign, Escambia County will waive adoption fees for dogs and cats at least one year old. Santa Rosa County will offer every available cat and dog for $10. The promotion continues through Wednesday, September 30.
Participating pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before adoption.
What Does Adoption Cost in Escambia County?
At the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center:
Dogs and cats age 1 or older: Free
Puppies younger than 1: $50
Kittens younger than 1: $25
Escambia County resident license: An additional $15
The shelter is located at:
Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center
200 W. Fairfield Drive
Pensacola, Florida 32501
850-595-3075
Adoption hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The county advises people arriving at opening time to call first because animal-care work can occasionally delay opening.
Adoptions are first come, first served, and animals cannot be reserved. Prospective adopters can review currently available pets through 24PetConnect before visiting.
Santa Rosa County Adoptions Cost $10
Santa Rosa County Animal Services will charge $10 for each available dog or cat during the campaign.
Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter
4451 Pine Forest Road
Milton, Florida 32583
850-983-4680
Because Santa Rosa’s operating hours vary by weekday, adopters should check the county’s Animal Services page or call before driving to Milton. Available pets are posted through the county’s adoption portal.
What Should Adopters Bring?
Each shelter follows its regular application and screening process during the promotion. Reduced fees do not guarantee approval or availability of a particular animal.
Bring government-issued identification and be ready to discuss household members, existing pets, housing restrictions and the kind of animal that fits your schedule. Renters should confirm their pet policy before adopting.
Families should also budget for food, preventive medicine, veterinary care, grooming and supplies after the reduced-cost adoption.
Why Empty the Shelters Matters
BISSELL Pet Foundation reimburses participating organizations for reduced adoption fees, helping shelters attract prospective owners without eliminating normal adoption safeguards.
The foundation reports more than 431,000 adoptions through Empty the Shelters since 2016. Locally, each successful adoption also creates kennel space for another animal needing care.
Review the available animals online, discuss the commitment with everyone in the household and contact the appropriate shelter before visiting September 18 through 30.
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