Those interested in adopting a pet from Festus Animal Control will now pay more.
Festus City Council members voted 6-0 July 14 to increase the city’s pet adoption fees from $100 to $150 for animals needing to be spayed or neutered and from $30 to $50 for animals that do not need to be spayed or neutered. Staci Templeton of Ward 2 and Michael Cook of Ward 4 were absent from the meeting.
“The city adjusted pet adoption fees to cover the rising expenses associated with spaying-neutering and vaccinations,” City Administrator Greg Camp said. “This change aligns with broader best practices seen in municipalities aiming to maintain animal welfare standards and offset shelter costs.”
According to a written staff report to council members, the city “ensures animals being adopted have been vaccinated for rabies and provides a voucher covering a portion of the cost for an animal to be (spayed) or neutered through a local veterinary clinic.”
The City Council last raised the rates in May 2023, city clerk Leah Smith said.
The city’s Animal Control building is at 2260 Sunshine Drive (Old Hwy. A).
For more information, go to the City of Festus Animal Control Facebook page.