Hamilton County humane society Cincinnati Animal CARE has been at “code red” for 139 days, which means they have had fewer than 10 empty kennels in their shelter … for that entire timespan.

To help get their sweet dogs and cats into forever homes and out of the shelter, they’re running a special promotion this weekend. On Oct. 9 and 10, they’ll be waiving adoption fees for all animals older than 6 months, “with hopes of finally clearing out the shelter and getting the population under control,” says Cincinnati Animal CARE in a release.

The organization took over Hamilton County’s shelter from the SPCA in August of 2020.

“We’re hopeful, 14 months later, we can finally start from zero and get our heads above water,” says Ray Anderson, Cincinnati Animal CARE’s Media and Community Relations Manager, in a release. “If you’re considering adopting an animal, this is the weekend to do it.”

And, just because adoption fees are waived doesn’t mean the adoption process is eliminated. Cincinnati Animal CARE will still be screening all potential new pet parents and offering adoption counseling.

The shelter is open noon-6 daily and is located at 3949 Colerain Ave., Northside.

For more information and to see all available animals, visit cincinnatianimalcare.org.

Zatara Age: 3 Years / Breed: Chihuahua, Long Coat Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Zatara is such a sweet, adorable little girl. She made herself right at home in her foster home and does well with other dogs and with cats. She likes to play and take walks, but her very favorite thing is to hang out with her people- she Loves her people – and how could anyone not love her?! This little 3 year old is looking for a family that will treat her like the queen she is! If you are interested in Zatara, apply today!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Bobblehead Age: 2 Years / Breed: Terrier, American Staffordshire Mix / Sex: Male/ Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Norman Age: 4 Years / Breed: Border Collie Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Meet Norman! This absolutely beautiful boy will thrive in a home where he’s the only pet, so he can get all the attention he absolutely deserves. He’s also best suited to a quieter, low traffic home, and finds the best company with adults and older teenagers.” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
O’Brien Age: 1 Year / Breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback/Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “O’Brien is a very happy boy. He loves to snuggle on the couch or in bed. He likes playing with his toys for short periods of time and then crashing for a nap! O’Brien does alright with cats but seems to be interested in having any doggie siblings. He loves attention from people and is patient with children. O’Brien is house broken and loves to learn new things. He is still learning how to walk with you on a leash. He knows the command sit, when he wants to and when you have a delicious treat to give him as a reward for his hard work! He thinks leaves are little treats on walks and likes to stop for little snack breaks. If you are interested in O’Brien, apply today and email foster.adoption@cincinnatianimalcare.org!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Queen Lillian Age: 6 Years / Breed: Siamese Mix / Sex: Website says male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Silas Age: 10 Years / Breed: Terrier Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Meet Silas! This cutie is blind but gets around well once he learns a route- he is a fast learner! All he needs is some kiss sounds to find you and curl up on your lap! He is crate trained and housebroken if kept on a schedule. He is very very friendly and greets everyone! He doesn’t mind cats at all and is happy to just be apart of the group! this senior cutie is ready for a forever home for his senior years! Apply today to meet Silas!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Sherman Age: 2 Years / Breed: Bulldog, American Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Sherman is both silly and sweet! He doesn’t love being at the shelter and is dreaming of a home of his own with lots of treats, toys and a big couch. He enjoys his walks and loves being outside and rolling around in the grass (or dirt, he’s not picky!) At just over 2 years old, Sherman hasn’t lost hope that the perfect family will come and find him. He is lots of fun and has plenty of energy if you’re in the mood to play, but he’s also perfectly content to sprawl out under a tree in the shade and watch the world go by. Come meet Sherman, he’ll be waiting for you!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Shelly Age: 1 Year / Breed: Domestic Medium Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Pop Age: 1 Year / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Meet our adorable special needs cat POP! She has Cerebellar Hypoplasia, a very manageable condition that makes animals walk a little funny. They are often called wobbly cats. CH cats live a very normal life. They often adapt quickly and learn to compensate for balance issues. They require a HIGH sided litter box with a LOW entrance which allows them to use the bathroom without falling over. NO STAIRS. Some are able to navigate a few steps depending on their level of disability but if severe they are not able to safely go up and down them. POP loves affection AND other cats. She would be considered moderate. This does not effect her quality of life. She very much enjoys life and would love to be in a permanent home with her forever family. Once you meet her your heart will melt like butter on POPcorn.” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Ivy Age: 4 Years / Breed: Terrier, American Pit Bull Mix / Sex: Female/ Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Hi. I’m Ivy. I want to be your best friend.. do you want to be mine? I am a little shy at first, but warm up quickly and will approach you with the cutest wiggly butt and wagging tail. I love treats and am really good at sitting! I love when my human friends get excited and try to play with me, it gives me zoomies and I will race around the room! I may be a little immature, but I am very smart and love to learn. I am currently in a foster home getting lots of treats so please call the shelter or email the foster care coordinator at foster.adoption@cincinnatianimalcare.org to meet me today!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Carly Age: 7 Years / Breed: Terrier, American Pit Bull Mix / Sex: Female/ Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “This big ball of cuteness is Carly. Carly is a plump little thing and absolutely loves her treats and anyone who will give her treats. Her gorgeous coat shines just like her personality! She’s fond of her people and adores going on walks with them! After a nice walk, she loves nothing more than to just sit with you and get loved on while she melts into you and soaks up all your affection. Carly is looking for someone to give her a chance as well as a little bit of patience while she adjusts to a new environment because once she is acclimated, she’ll be nothing but a ball of love! Carly is featured as a sponsored dog of Sheltered Paws Rescue!”Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Michelle Age: 8 Years / Breed: Chihuahua, Short Coat Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Cocoa Age: 5 Years / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “This girl is 5 years old and has personality! A little bit sassy, a little bit feisty, yet so sweet. She was dedicated to her pervious owner and loved to accompany him on walks with his dogs. A most heart warming sight! She is vocal when she sees you as she affectionately rubs against your leg. A few months ago she had an accident and sadly had to have her eye removed. This however hasn’t slowed her down or affected her playing with other cats and dogs (including her sister Bianca!). She is a total sweetheart and is ready for a home of her own! If you are interested in Cocoa apply today!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Victory Age: 6 Years / Breed: Domestic Medium Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Cooper Age: 4 Years / Breed: Terrier, American Pit Bull Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Volleyball Age: 2 Years / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Kayla Age: 8 Years / Breed: Shepherd Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Sophia Petrillo Age: 9 Years / Breed: Domestic Medium Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Meet Sophia Petrillo! She is a classy older lady who loves to be the queen of the castle! Sophia really enjoys it when you shower her with affection and treat her like she’s royalty! She loves to be brushed and also enjoys a bit of cuddle time! If you’re looking for your new queen, look no further! Sophia is currently in a foster home, so if you’re interested, please apply or email foster.adoption@cincinnatianimalcare.org” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Lady/Lola Flowers Age: 2 Years / Breed: Siberian Husky/Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Lola Flowers is as pretty as a petal. She’s so sweat, calm, and playful. She loves to play. It will relax on her own. She enjoys snuggling, walks, and sleeping. She will sleep through the night. Lola will tell you when she has to potty or want to go out. She will sit by the door and wait for you. She has had no accidents. If you want to add some petal power to your life, apply and email foster.adoption@cincinnatianimalcare.com.” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Wello Age: 7 Years / Breed: Siamese Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Henry Age: 2 Years, 9 Months / Breed: Retriever, Labrador/Terrier, American Pit Bull / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Hey guys, I’m Henry! I’m a very special boy looking for a very special home. I’m a Lab mix and am ready to go to a forever home with lots of space for me to run my energy off! My ideal place would be somewhere that understands me and is patient and kind. I seem to get along pretty well with my dog friends, so feel free to bring the whole family down to meet me. Are you the person I’ve been looking for?” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Mack Age: 1 Year / Breed: Lab Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Hindi Age: 5 Years / Breed: Domestic Medium Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Sundance Age: 1 Year, 8 Months / Breed: Terrier, American Pit Bull Mix / Sex: Female/ Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Sundance, aka Sunny. We call her Sunny, easier than Sundance, but both names fit this pup. We have been fostering Sunny for the past 4+ months. When we first got her, she was definitely reserved and didn’t know what was going on or how to react. She didn’t know how to play, it was really sad. We had a number of toys for her and she didn’t react to any of them. It took her about 2 weeks to feel at home and then she started playing! Ever since then, she has been playing and enjoying her foster home. So why do the names Sundance and Sunny fit……Sundance because she likes to jump up and dance with her foster dad and get her back scratched. See one of the attached videos. Also, Sunny because she loves to lay in the sunlight and then she wants to go out and lay in the sun, even if it is hot. Sunny is a curious girl. She will check out every room in the house to figure out her surroundings, that includes going under beds to find all the things you thought were well hidden. Sunny likes to be with her humans, even if it is just seeing and hearing them in the house or in the yard. But once she becomes attached to her humans, she will let you know she doesn’t want you leaving without her and would prefer someone home often. We have started working on commands with her and she is definitely treat motivated. She is house and crate trained as long as you don’t leave her go for long periods of time….everyone has a bladder limit, right! She knows how to sit. She has to be in the middle of all the action. She is a lover, will give you kisses until you make her stop. She is also a cuddler, she will lay on the couch and curl up next to you, or in the corner if you become annoying while watching the game!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
My Low Age: 9 Years / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Meet My Low! Get it, my-low! This super handsome sweet senior will melt your heart- he came to us absolutely terrified but as soon as he got into a foster home he totally opened up! He is a snuggly kitty who is looking for a safe and loving home to live out his golden years- plus how could you NOT love an orange tabby! Life is better with a handsome orange boy hanging on your couch so apply today and meet My Low today!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE