Bay County Animal Control Waives Adoption Fees for Labor Day as Shelter Reaches Capacity |
64 Dogs and Cats Are Waiting for Homes — Adoption Fees Waived Through September 8 |
If you have been thinking about adding a four-legged member to your family, this Labor Day weekend may be the perfect time to meet your new best friend.
Bay County Animal Control is currently full and is asking the community for help finding homes for the dogs and cats in its care.
To encourage more local families to adopt, all adoption fees are being waived from Thursday, September 3 through Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for available dogs and cats.
The shelter currently has 36 dogs and 28 cats available for adoption — 64 animals hoping someone will walk through the door and choose them.
There are animals of different ages, sizes and personalities, which means potential adopters have an opportunity to find a pet that fits their household and lifestyle.
More Than a Free Adoption
While the adoption fee is being waived during the Labor Day event, these pets don't leave the shelter without important veterinary care.
Animals adopted from Bay County Animal Control are spayed or neutered, microchipped and provided age-appropriate vaccinations before going to their new homes.
Dogs adopted through the shelter are also tested for heartworms, while cats receive FIV/FeLV testing.
Normally, Bay County Animal Control charges a $25 adoption fee, making this limited-time event an additional opportunity for anyone who has already been considering adoption.
But the biggest benefit isn't saving the adoption fee.
It's giving an animal a home, and opening a space at an already-full shelter for the next animal that may need help.
Looking for the Right Dog or Cat?
Adopting a pet should never be an impulse decision, even when adoption fees are waived.
The good news is that Bay County Animal Control encourages families to spend some time finding an animal that's a good match.
If you already have pets at home, shelter staff suggest considering an introduction to your prospective new family member to help determine compatibility.
Think about your household, activity level and the amount of time you can devote to a pet.
An energetic young dog might be perfect for someone who enjoys walks and outdoor activities, while another family may be looking for a calmer adult or senior companion. Cat lovers can also find cats with a variety of ages and personalities waiting at the shelter.
Sometimes the animal you connect with isn't the one you expected to choose.
That's why visiting the shelter and meeting them in person can make such a difference.
Labor Day Weekend Adoption Schedule
The free adoption promotion continues through Tuesday, September 8, but there is one important holiday closure to remember.
Bay County Animal Control will be CLOSED Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
The shelter will reopen Tuesday.
For those hoping to adopt during the weekend, Bay County lists its shelter hours as:
Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The shelter also closes daily from noon until 1 p.m. for lunch.
Bay County Animal Control is located at: 6401 Bayline Drive Panama City, FL 32401
Questions about adopting can be directed to the shelter at 850-767-3333.
Meet Them Online Before You Visit
You don't have to wait until you arrive at the shelter to begin looking for your new companion.
Bay County maintains an online adoption page where residents can learn more about the adoption process and view animals currently looking for homes.
View available animals: Then on left hand side click Dogs for Adoption or Cats for Adoption
You can also follow Bay County Parks and Recreation on Facebook for information and updates from Bay County: https://www.facebook.com/BayCoParksandRec
Help Even If You Can't Adopt
Not everyone is in a position to bring home another pet right now, and that's okay. You can still make a difference.
Share the available animals and the free adoption event with your friends, family and neighbors.
A Facebook share may seem like a small action, but the person who sees that post could be exactly the person one of these animals has been waiting for.
With 64 dogs and cats currently available and the shelter at capacity, every successful adoption matters.
This Labor Day weekend, consider making the holiday unforgettable for one Bay County shelter animal. They don't need a fancy celebration.
They just need someone to take them home. Will that be you?
See Previous Doggie Needs A Home Article
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41 Comments
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If I could adopt them all I would. Love seeing the community step up.
64 animals is just heartbreaking. Sharing this everywhere I can.
Glad they do heartworm tests on dogs. That can be expensive if you’re not careful.
My daughter has been begging for a cat. Looks like now’s the chance.
Saw a few adorable dogs online already. Might be adopting soon!
These events matter. My friend got her dog during one and loves him.
Please don’t adopt just because it’s free. Make sure you’re ready for a pet.
Labor Day is about relaxing, but giving a pet a home is even better.
Waived fees plus all the vet care... Can't beat that deal!
I wish they were open on Sunday, but I understand. I'll try Tuesday!
Bringing my kids to meet the cats Tuesday! Can’t wait.
Would be nice if they did this more than once a year, shelters always need help.
Going to check the online pics. Might fall in love before I even get there.
Hope the staff get a little break too. So many animals must be a lot of work.
I adopted my old boy at Bay County ten years ago. He changed my life.
Didn’t realize they close for lunch, thanks for including that info.
I’ll tell my church group. Somebody is always looking for a new fur friend.
Only wish my landlord let me have pets.
Those hours are tricky with work, but I’ll see if I can swing by Friday.
I wish I could take them all... Maybe just one more dog wouldn’t hurt.
36 dogs?! Hope they all find a couch to sleep on soon.
Best advice is not to rush it. Go meet the animals and take your time.
Shelters are packed everywhere, thanks for doing this Bay County.
Glad they include all the shots and microchip.
Sharing with my coworkers now, someone always needs a cat or two.
Might finally be time to get a dog!
Free adoptions is awesome, but wish they were open on Sunday too.
We got our cat from there last year, best choice ever.
Love this! Hope they all get homes.
I adopted during a free event once. So glad I did!
Do they also have small dogs? Looking for one that’s good with kids.
Shelters really need more support. Sharing on Facebook now.
We got our sweet cat from Bay County last year. Best decision ever!
No adoption fees is a great idea. More should do this. Good luck to the animals.
The hours are a little tricky but I still might try to stop by Saturday.
I wish I could help but my apartment doesn’t allow pets. I’ll spread the word though.
Love that they encourage making sure pets get along before adopting. It matters!
Gonna go check out the shelter Tuesday. I've been thinking of adopting a dog.
Glad they make sure pets are vaccinated first. Helps with peace of mind.
That’s a lot of animals needing homes! Passing this along to my neighbors.
Free adoptions is awesome. Hope all those pups and kitties find a family.