OC Animal Care cuts adoption fees as long-stay dogs await homes

Orange County Animal Care is waiving or reducing adoption fees at a Saturday event in Tustin as nearly 300 animals await homes, according to Voice of OC. Among them are two dogs that have spent more than a year at the county-run shelter.

The event gives prospective adopters an opportunity to meet animals whose stays have stretched into months or longer. Voice of OC reported that pit bulls and huskies account for most of the shelter’s longest-stay dogs and are often passed over because of their size, breed and perceived behavioral problems.

The shelter’s October promotion waives adoption fees for dogs weighing at least 25 pounds, according to Voice of OC. At Saturday’s event, cats and kittens have a $25 adoption fee, while dogs weighing less than 25 pounds or younger than 6 months have a $100 fee. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes resource booths, face painting and pet grooming demonstrations.

Banner and Truckstop, both 4 years old, arrived as strays in September 2025. Banner, a 68-pound pit bull mix, is housebroken and enjoys walks and fetch, according to staff descriptions reported by Voice of OC. His animal ID is A1934011. Staff recommend an experienced household without children for Truckstop, a 62-pound pit bull whose ID is A1910269.

Roca, an 8-year-old pit bull weighing 54 pounds, arrived as a stray on Dec. 21, 2025. Staff recommend that she be the only pet in her new home. She is available for adoption or foster-to-adopt, and her ID is A1946042, according to the report.

The report also profiles two Siberian huskies. Sheena, 5, weighs 71 pounds and entered the shelter on March 8. Staff recommend a household with adults or older children and no cats. She is available for adoption or foster-to-adopt under ID A1947227. Rapidash, 3, weighs 51 pounds and arrived as a stray on June 23. Staff describe her as affectionate, energetic and familiar with basic commands. Her ID is A1966724.

Saturday’s Sittin’ With Kittens session runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features multiple litters that were previously in foster care, Voice of OC reported. The shelter also allows visitors to walk through its kennel areas daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prospective adopters can schedule a visit by calling (714) 935-6848 and providing the animal ID of the pet they want to meet, according to Voice of OC.