Volunteer donates $15K for weekend pet adoptions in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A volunteer with the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago has donated $15,000 to cover adoption costs this weekend at the North LaSalle Street location.

John Roa said he's hoping the financial waiver will encourage anyone thinking about getting a pet to take the plunge.

There are 75 animals ready for adoption, for individuals or families who qualify.

Adoption fees for dogs and cats typically run between $60 and $200.

Members of the Jones family had been contemplating getting a dog and they were among the first in the door to take advantage of the deal.

"We are like, okay, we want one, and it was just the perfect opportunity to get a beautiful dog who needs a loving home," said Haley Jones.

"Hopefully if you are adopting you can afford, you know, what it's gonna cost to have an animal, but the initial firs few hundred bucks could be tricky for some people, especially at this time of year with the holidays. So I wanted to make that easier and just want to push to get every animal here out of the shelter this year," Roa said.

The home for the holidays deal lasts from Friday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 18. The shelter stressed that animals will only go home with those who meet the adoption criteria.