FRUIT HEIGHTS — More cats and dogs are being adopted.

That’s happening even as more animals are being taken to the Davis County Animal Services facility in Fruit Heights, director Clint Thacker said.

A summer adoption promotion during June and July resulted in 212 cats and dogs being adopted compared to 140 a year ago.

We’re flying them out of here,” he said.

Numbers are also up for the year from Jan. 1, at 592 year-to-date vs. 492 in 2011.

For $50, dogs and cats can be adopted that include vaccinations, a microchip, treats and a collar.

The actual cost for that is about $125, with the Friends of Animals Society subsidizing the difference.

Thacker believes the goal of 250 adoptions by Aug. 31 is within easy reach.

“It’s fun to see families pick dogs out. The kids are all excited, and the animal is going to a home,” said Jenene Dahl, an office specialist who works directly with the public in her role at the front desk.

“We even get people who come down from Idaho, over from Colorado to adopt. They’ve seen our animals on the internet,” Thacker said.

In addition, three times more animals have been sent to animal rescue organizations, he said. So far this year, 125 animals have been sent.

“These are animals we would normally euthanize,” Thacker said.

“Euthanization was an unfortunate reality,” said Chris Nash, an office specialist. “We hardly euthanize any now.”

Euthanization is mostly used largely now for aggressive animals, “where it’s requested by owners, and they don’t pass the behavior evaluation,” Thacker said.

The evaluation is to see how an animal reacts in various situations and whether it can be considered for adoption.

More animals are being brought to the shelter, Nash said. “We’ve seen a lot more people turn over their animals. They can’t afford to keep them, or can no longer afford to care for them. People are losing their homes or, in some cases, moving out of state for work.”

For more information check out the August 9 edition of Davis Clipper.