PAWS Chicago extends hours for 2-day adoption marathon; More than 100 pets need homes

CHICAGO (WLS) -- More than 100 pets in Chicago are waiting to spend the holidays in their forever homes this year!

To help them all find good homes, PAWS Chicago is holding its 11th annual Holiday Adopt-a-Thon this Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8 at its Lincoln Park adoption center, located at 1997 N. Clybourn Avenue in Chicago.

The no-kill shelter is extending its hours for the special two-day adoption marathon this week, running each day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The holiday season is a critical time of year for homeless pets in overcrowded animal control facilities and traditional high-kill shelters, according to PAWS. Since many shelters are short-staffed over the holidays, more animals are at risk of being euthanized than any other time of year.

However, PAWS wants to remind people that pets are members of the family and not holiday gifts. They suggest surprising loved ones with a trip to a shelter to meet all the pets to find the perfect match together.

New pets arrived at PAWS ahead of the event. Click here to view the full list of adoptable cats and dogs that is updated in real-time as pets become available or are adopted.

If you're not able to bring a pet home, you can also make a donation or volunteer at PAWS' adoption centers and foster homes.

What is the adoption process like at PAWS Chicago?

- To adopt a pet from PAWS Chicago, you must:

- Bring along all family members (including children and roommates) to meet your new cat or dog. Be sure to bring any resident dogs if you are adopting a dog.

- Verify that you are allowed to have a pet of the breed and size where you currently live (for renters and condo owners)

- Be at least 21 years of age with a government-issued photo ID

- Be available to spend up to an hour with an Adoption Counselor

What are some of the benefits of adopting from PAWS?

- Spay/neuter surgery

- All age-appropriate vaccinations

- Microchip

- Support through your pet's lifetime

- The PAWS Chicago Lifetime Guarantee, if something happens to you or you can no longer care for your pet

- Leash and collar and starter bag of Merrick Pet Food (or in Schatzi's case, a year of free food)

- Saving lives! When you adopt you helped save TWO lives--the life of the pet you are taking home and that of another who is now able to come into the adoption program.

PAWS adoption fees:

DOGS:

Adult (dogs aged seven months and older) $300*

Puppies (dogs aged six months and younger) $400*

*This fee includes a $100.00 deposit which is refundable upon completion of obedience training.

CATS: Varies by age, visit the PAWS Chicago website for adoption process and fees.

Pets are adoptable thorough PAWS Chicago at the following locations across the Chicago area:

Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center

1997 N. Clybourn Ave

Chicago, IL 60614

773-935-7297 (PAWS)

Sat & Sun: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Mon-Fri: 12 - 7 p.m.

Glenn L. Felner North Shore Adoption Center

1616 Deerfield Road

Highland Park, IL 60035 - Map it

224-707-1190

Wednesday - 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Thurs & Fri - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.