Summer adoption challenge

Furry tails need fairy-tale endings. That’s the motto of the Everett Animal Shelter this summer, as they work hard to break their record for adoptions for June, July and August.

The shelter was selected for the ASPCA’s Rachael Ray $100K Challenge and is in competition with 50 other shelters across the country for the top prize. In order to win, the shelter must find homes for 1,616 cats and dogs between June 1 and Aug. 31 – 450 more than during that same period in 2013.

“It’s a monumental task, but we’ve got great staff and an enthusiastic team of volunteers all working toward our goal,” said Shannon Johnson, Everett Animal Services director. “Winning $100,000 will allow us to provide spay and neuter services for pets of low-income families, and vaccination clinics in the community.”

The challenge kicks off this Sunday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a day-long party planned at the shelter: drawings for prizes, free fairy-tale photo sessions for pets and families, kids’ activities, and plenty of animals ready to find a new home. Stop by between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for free microchipping for dogs and cats.

“If you haven’t been out to the shelter in a while, this is a great day to visit,” said Johnson. “And this weekend is just the start. We have a whole summer of special events and community appearances planned – stay tuned!”

The shelter will hold extended-hour adoption specials every weekend from June 1 to Aug. 31. In keeping with the fairy-tale theme, each “Once Upon a Weekend” will focus on a favorite fairy-tale character. June 6-8 is Rapunzel weekend, when long-haired cats and dogs can be adopted for a discounted fee.

Look for shelter volunteers and pets at a variety of summer events, including Sorticulture, Cinema Under the Stars, Music at the Marina and Scrub-a-Mutt in Marysville. The shelter will also launch a “Pet of the Week” video series on the Everett Channel and the city’s YouTube channel on June 1.