ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Detroit Zoological Society and Michigan Humane Society, in collaboration with more than 30 local animal welfare organizations, will host the annual fall Meet Your Best Friend event at the Zoo Sept. 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be available for immediate adoption to loving homes at one of the nation's largest off-site companion animal adoption events.
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Presented by Purina One, Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo will be held outdoors under tents in the Detroit Zoo's front parking lot, beneath the landmark water tower. There is no charge for admission or parking for adoption event guests; however, regular admission and parking fees apply for those visiting the Zoo.
The event will include special appearances by Detroit Zoo mascots Junior Z and the Zooper Heroes between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Because puppies are often in high demand, "puppy passes" will be given each morning to the first 25 adoption-event guests who are looking specifically to adopt a puppy. Those with puppy passes will be allowed to enter the adoption tents at 9:45 a.m., with the remaining guests allowed to enter at 10 a.m.
Adoption fees and policies are set by each participating animal welfare group. Adopters must present a valid driver's license or state ID card. All animals will have received a medical check-up and age-appropriate vaccinations. A "get-acquainted" area will be available to provide guests an opportunity to spend time with an animal before adopting. For health and safety reasons, all current companion animals should be left at home.
Last year, the fall Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo event found homes for 434 animals. Since the event's inception in 1993, more than 17,000 dogs, cats and rabbits have been placed into new homes at the spring and fall events.
Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo is also supported by PetSmart Charities and Meijer.