Two Manatee County animal adoption events to take place this weekend
MANATEE -- Manatee County residents wishing to add some animal love into their lives this Valentine's Day will have two chances to do so this weekend.
Manatee County Animal Services will have a two-day adoption event called "My Furry Valentine" at the Palmetto shelter, 305 25th St. W., Palmetto, and Downtown Meowtown, 1002 B Manatee Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton. The event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, will feature $10 dogs and cats. Manatee County residents will also be required to purchase a $15 registration tag.
"The primary reason is to find love and there are so many different dogs waiting and cats," said Debra Starr with the nonprofit Animal Network. "Valentine's Day is a way to remember the day you found furry love."
There will be adoption counselors at the Palmetto shelter.
Animals will also be available for adoption at Bradenton Farmers Market as part of the Hearts for Homeless Pets event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Dogs from animal services, Humane Society of Manatee County, Bishop Animal Shelter, Safe Haven Animal Rescue of Florida and Moonracer Animal Rescue will be available for adoption.
"Realize Bradenton has been looking to support the animal community," Starr said. "It's great because it's exactly what we wanted to do, which is a collaboration of all the rescues."
Adoption rates vary per rescue and animal at the Farmers Market, Starr said, adding it was intentional to have the two events coincide.
With primarily larger dogs at the Palmetto shelter, Starr said they will direct potential adopters looking for smaller dogs to the downtown Bradenton event where there will be "a little bit different offerings."
"Everybody is working together," Starr said.
Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.
This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 11:52 PM with the headline "Two Manatee County animal adoption events to take place this weekend ."