SF Senior Dog Rescue Waives Adoption Fees

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco is waiving adoption fees through May 31 as part of a two-week “Smooch a Pooch Adoptathon,” according to the organization’s website. The fee-free push applies to qualified adopters at the group’s Mission District shelter, where senior dogs are available for same-day adoption during open hours. Muttville says the standard adoption fee is $250 for most adopters, making the promotion a temporary suspension of its usual charge. The rescue is using the event to move more older dogs into homes as California shelters continue to send senior animals to the organization. ### When are the free adoptions happening, and where? May 16 through May 31 is the window for the fee-free event, and Muttville says adopters can visit its headquarters at 750 Florida Street in San Francisco’s Mission District. The organization lists open hours of Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and its events page shows additional adoption events at the same address on May 23 and May 30. (happeningnext.com) The event is branded as the “Smooch a Pooch Adoptathon,” and Muttville’s homepage says “all adoption fees waived” during the promotion. The group’s site also says available dogs change frequently as animals are adopted and new ones arrive. ### What fee is Muttville waiving? Muttville’s adoption page says the usual one-time adoption fee is $250. During the current adoptathon, that charge is being waived for qualified adopters taking home senior dogs. (happeningnext.com) The rescue already waives fees in some standing programs, including “Seniors for Seniors” adoptions for people age 62 and older and hospice placements for dogs with terminal illnesses. (muttville.org) The broader May promotion extends no-fee adoptions beyond those programs for a limited period. ### What kind of dogs does Muttville place? Muttville says it is focused on older dogs and describes itself as California’s first senior dog rescue and the country’s first cage-free shelter. (muttville.org) Its website says shelters from across California contact the organization to place older dogs that may be strays, surrendered animals or pets whose owners died or could no longer care for them. (muttville.org) The group’s about page says founder Sherri Franklin started Muttville in 2007. Muttville says it has rescued 14,058 dogs, a figure posted on its site last week. ### How does the adoption process work during the promotion? Muttville says prospective adopters can start by browsing available dogs online or by filling out an adoption questionnaire. The organization says staff then follow up by email and phone, arrange a meeting at the shelter or virtually with a foster parent, and complete counseling and paperwork before the dog goes home. (muttville.org) (muttville.org) If a dog is met at headquarters or at an event, Muttville says adopters can take the animal home that day. The rescue also says it adopts to homes beyond the Bay Area and can handle much of the process virtually. ### Who is running Muttville now? Muttville’s team page lists Laurie Routhier as chief executive officer. The organization’s about page identifies Sherri Franklin as the founder who launched the rescue in 2007. (muttville.org) That leadership detail matters because some older references still identify Franklin as CEO. Muttville’s current staff listing shows Routhier in the top executive role as of this week. (muttville.org) ### What happens after May 31? May 31 is the last day listed for the fee-free “Smooch a Pooch Adoptathon.” Muttville’s website says adopters can keep checking its available-dogs page, and the shelter remains open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 750 Florida Street in San Francisco. (muttville.org) (happeningnext.com)