Johnston County Animal Services is giving some of its longest-waiting shelter pets an extra chance to find a home this October.

For the entire month, animals that have been at the shelter for 30 days or longer have their adoption fees waived under the October offer.

Residents can identify qualifying pets by looking for the 30+ Days icon on the county’s Adoptable Pets listings.

The promotion puts extra attention on animals that have already spent a month or more waiting for a family.

Why long-waiting pets need extra attention

Animal shelters continually receive dogs, cats and other animals in need of homes. As new animals arrive, pets that have already been waiting can sometimes receive less attention from prospective adopters.

The October promotion gives residents another reason to take a closer look at those longer-term shelter animals. Waiving the adoption fee can reduce one of the initial costs of bringing a pet home while helping the shelter create space for other animals that need care.

For families who have already been thinking about adding a pet, October may be a good time to see whether one of Johnston County’s longer-waiting animals is the right fit.

How to meet an animal

Adoptions are by appointment. Interested adopters should contact Animal Services at 919-934-8474 before visiting.

The Pet Adoption Center is at 115 Shelter Way in Smithfield. Adoption appointments are available Monday through Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

What adopters should know

The county’s adoption requirements say adopters must be at least 18 and bring government-issued identification. You do not have to live in Johnston County to adopt.

Before choosing a pet, families should think about more than appearance. A dog’s energy level, a cat’s temperament, the amount of time an animal may spend alone and whether there are already children or other pets in the household can all affect whether an adoption is a good match.

Asking shelter staff questions about an animal’s behavior and known history can help families make a more informed decision.

What the waived fee means

The county specifically says adoption fees are waived for animals that have waited at least 30 days.

Depending on the animal, separate spay or neuter voucher or deposit requirements, microchip charges or rabies-vaccination charges may still apply. Prospective adopters should confirm the final amount when making an appointment rather than assuming every possible cost is waived.

The shelter requires adopted pets to be spayed or neutered and provides a $100 voucher for participating veterinarians when applicable.

Residents can review the county’s October offer and current adoptable animals before calling to arrange a meeting.

More than a one-month promotion

Adoption is a long-term commitment, and the right match matters for both the family and the animal. But for pets that have already spent weeks waiting at the shelter, the October promotion may bring some much-needed extra attention.

For one of Johnston County’s 30-day-plus shelter animals, a family browsing the adoption list this month could be the beginning of a completely new life.