BERGEN COUNTY , NJ – Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney and the Department of Health Services announce reduced rates for hard to place pets at the Bergen County Animal Shelter during February.  Find a place in your heart for one of these animals during American Heart Month.

“Many animals must wait for good homes,” said McNerney.  “Often they are not adopted for reasons that would not prevent them from being good pets, such as lack of training or medical problems that don’t affect their quality of life.  Prospective owners should consider using savings on adoption fees toward obedience training or veterinary care.”

During February, the shelter will reduce the adoption fee for cats, dogs and rabbits by 10 percent for each month that an animal has been at the shelter, starting from the animal’s six-month birthday.  The adoption fee includes spaying or neutering, routine shots, worming, Felv/FIV testing for cats and treatments for fleas, ticks or ear mites when needed.  Dogs neutered by the shelter are microchipped.

In addition, FOCAS, a charitable organization that provides services for the animals that surpass the basics provided by the shelter, has generously agreed to offer a $5 discount on their dog obedience classes for each month a dog lived at the shelter prior to adoption.  Large dogs lacking manners are passed over again and again, when they would make good pets with some obedience training.

While youngsters and other highly adoptable animals leave the shelter very quickly, many others sit in cages for months waiting for homes.  FIV positive cats or animals that need medication or dental work are often very hard to place. 

The Bergen County Animal Shelter, located at 100 United Lane , Teterboro , NJ , is open for adoption every day from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.  Many adoptable pets are located online at www.co.bergen.nj.us/bcas.