Sixteen shelter animals were placed in adoptive homes on July 18 during an outreach kick-off for the “Dog Days of Summer” campaign launched by Haven Humane Society in an all-out effort to provide homes for pets as shelter kennels reach capacity.

“It happens this time of year as puppies are born and end up in our kennels. It all adds to the volume of the unwanted pet population,” said Interim CEO Yvonne Preston. “To help alleviate the problem, we have launched the ‘Dog Days of Summer’ campaign and are discounting all adult dog adoption fees to $25 and puppy fees to $30.”

The economy is also having an effect on pet owners who bring them to the shelter and say they can no longer keep their pets, Preston said.

She said the campaign also includes a food drive for non-shelter pets.

“We are already receiving phone calls from people wanting to donate pet food as or inquire about pet adoptions,” she said. “It’s really great to see such a response from people who really care about the welfare of animals.”

She also said that Haven wanted to help the community by holding a pet food drive to assist those families who are struggling with the declining economy.

A food bank has been started at Haven Humane Society. To donate, stop by Haven Humane Society, 7449 Eastside Road, Redding, or call 241-1653.