Looking for an early Christmas present? Need a new family member to love? Pick one up for free all this weekend – Friday through Monday – at the Fulton County Animal Services Facility and LifeLine Animal Project’s Community Animal Center.

Pet adoption fees will be waived on Black Friday through Cyber Monday, November 29 through December 2. It’s an $85 value for dogs and $65 value for cats, and even includes spaying/neutering, all required vaccinations, and microchipping.

"Our Black Friday Adoption events have become one of the most anticipated weekends of the year,” said Audrey Shoemaker, shelter director at Fulton County Animal Services Facility. “We urgently need our communities to help us wrap up the year on a positive note by helping us save lives during what has been a very challenging year. Rescuing a pet is the ultimate gift."

A year ago, Fulton County opened its new, larger animal shelter at 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd. NW, offering greatly improved medical care, room for play and exercise, adoption areas, and generally better conditions. LifeLine, which operates county animal services under contract, still has too many animals – especially dogs.

In October, LifeLine took in nearly 900 animals, many more than were adopted out. It’s vital to find new homes for them because animals’ health can deteriorate quickly in even the best shelter environments.

This week, the main shelter in Fulton housed nearly 450 dogs, about 50 more than its capacity. Additionally, over 80 cats are available for adoption.

The Black Friday adoption special is available at:

• Fulton County Animal Services Facility, 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd. NW, Atlanta, (404) 613-0358; open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• LifeLine Animal Project Community Animal Center, 3180 Presidential Drive, Atlanta, (404) 292-8800; open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.