SANTA CRUZ >> As part of its latest effort to bolster pet adoption numbers locally, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has launched its new Home for the Holidays special seeking to match individuals and families with a furry friend in need of a home.

The shelter, which has been chronically short on space due to skyrocketing pet intake numbers, is offering half-price adoption fees on most pets and no fee at all for a dog or cat older than age 6, though a $29 license fee is required for dogs. The special will run through Dec. 3.

“Thanksgiving hasn’t happened yet, but our shelter is already stuffed … with wonderful, but homeless pets,” said shelter supervisor Jillian Ganley in a county release. “We’re hoping folks will take advantage of this opportunity to get 100% of the fun and snuggles at just 50% of the cost.”

The adoption fee for puppies younger than 6 months old will be only $105 and adult dogs are $75, according to the release. Kittens are $60, adults cats are $50 and rabbits are $35. The reduced adoption fees still include vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery and a microchip to help ensure the pet is never lost.

Santa Cruz County Shelter General Manager Amber Rowland recently told the Sentinel that readying an animal for adoption typically costs the shelter about $300-$400.

Rowland said that despite a brief lull early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, animal intake at county shelter facilities has surged back in recent years with 4,050 in 2021 and 5,110 in 2022. She said the shelter is expecting to take in more than 6,600 animals this year.

As one of the only open-intake facilities in the region, pet owners have driven hours across the state just because they heard there’s a chance the county’s shelter will open its doors.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 1001 Rodriguez Ave. in Santa Cruz is open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. To view the hundreds of available pets at the local shelter visit scanimalshelter.org.