The Humane Society is welcoming fall with an invitation to adopt a dog.

October is Dog Adoption Month, in which already reduced fees are reduced again to $55 to encourage those in search of man’s best friend to search the Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Control Facility first. The adoption fee includes the spay/neutering procedure, a microchip, distemper/parvo vaccination, Bordetella shot and deworming.

“The hope is that local adopters will be encouraged to look at the many wonderful dogs that come in to the shelter when looking for a forever friend,” said veterinarian Marty Poffenberger, president of the Humane Society of Beaufort County.

Poffenberger said potential pet owners looking for a specific breed might be surprised by the animals that find their way into the shelter, as well as those rescued by breed-specific rescue groups.

“There are many wonderful purebred dogs that end up in shelters through no fault of their own,” Poffenberger said.

The push to encourage people to adopt, rather than “shop,” also comes at a time when designer breeds are becoming more common. The shelter is home to some truly unique breeds.

“My son and his wife recently adopted an adorable puppy from the shelter. When it was DNA tested, it was found to be a purebred Foxhound mixed with a purebred Labrador, making it a ‘Flabrador?’ She is a sweet puppy, although full of energy, and they couldn’t love her more,” Poffenberger said.

The Humane Society of Beaufort County, along with many community partners, continues to promote spaying and neutering to cut down on the number of unwanted animals, including litters of puppies and kittens, that end up at the shelter. Last month, the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners voted to waive rescue groups’ “pull fees” to facilitate continued rescue of animals from the local shelter.

“We need to do everything we can to save the unfortunate animals that are currently ending up there,” Poffenberger said. “When looking for a pet, look first at a shelter or rescue group. During the month of October, reduced rates should make it a much more attractive opportunity. Many loving dogs are waiting to become a member of a family. Let’s give them the chance before it’s too late.”

The Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Control Facility is located at 3931 U.S. Highway 264 East, Washington, and can be reached at 252-946-1591. To see animals currently available at the shelter, visit ENC Shelter Dogs on Facebook.