News Flash

Roswell Animal Services is making it a little easier to adopt a new pet as it celebrates Pit Bull Awareness Month throughout October. During the month, the adoption fee will be waived for anyone adopting a six-month-old or older pit bull or pit bull mix from the Roswell Animal Shelter.

The usual adoption fee of $40 will be waived and the shelter will provide the distemper/parvo vaccine. The new owners will be responsible for planning for the dog to be spayed or neutered, a requirement for all adoptions from the shelter. Anyone wanting to adopt should visit a veterinarian to set up an appointment and pre-pay for the spay or neuter service. That pre-paid bill, as well as the adopter’s ID, should be brought to the shelter when adopting.

New pet owners should be aware a city dog license and a rabies vaccination are required for all dogs at least three months old.

National Pit Bull Awareness Day, which later developed into the full month of October, was established in 2007 as a nationwide effort to bring positive awareness and attention to the American Pit Bull Terrier and responsible owners. It was initiated by Bless the Bullys, a pit bull rescue and education group in Tennessee, as an effort to educate, change minds and bring about positive media attention and restore the image of the breed.

Overseen by the Roswell Police Department, the Animal Shelter is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the pit bull adoption-fee waiver for October or any other questions about adopting an animal or requirements involving licenses and vaccinations, call Animal Services at (575) 624-6722.