Pasadena Humane cuts dog adoption fees to $25 after 48-animal day

Pasadena Humane dropped dog adoption fees to $25 from Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 13, after 48 animals arrived at the shelter in a single day.

The nonprofit said 33 cats and 15 dogs came through its doors on Saturday, Sept. 5. President and CEO Chris Ramon called it one of the shelter's busiest intake days.

The shelter now has more than 450 animals in its care, including more than 150 dogs.

"With animals continuing to arrive every day, we need the community's help," Ramon said in the shelter's announcement. "Adopting a dog right now not only changes that dog's life, it creates critical space for the next animal who needs us."

The flash special applies to all dogs 6 months and older. Standard adoption fees for that age group are $150, making the temporary price an 83% discount. Large dogs are among those the shelter says need adopters most.

Every dog adopted during the special goes home spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. The shelter's standard adoption package also includes a rabies vaccine and a free health exam within 14 days from a participating veterinarian, according to Altadena Now.

Why now

Ramon attributed the crunch to timing. Adoptions tend to slow in September as families settle into school and work routines, but animal intake does not drop with them. The 450-plus animals in the shelter's care include pets available for adoption, animals living with foster families and strays waiting to be reunited with their owners.

Pasadena Humane helped more than 71,000 animals in 2025 through adoptions, wildlife rehabilitation, lost-and-found services and veterinary care, according to Pasadena Now.

The shelter has run other recent promotions. A summer special offered no-cost adult pet adoptions earlier this year.