SPANISH FORT — The three day pet Fall Adoptathon was held on Saturday at Petsmart in the Eastern Shore Centre.

This event introduced animals in need of a home to the community.

Many of the pet rescue agencies, including BARC, Gulfcoast Greyhound rescue and The Haven, are partnered with Petsmart and have attended the annual event ever since it started in 2003.

John Reuss, executive director of BARC, said they brought in animals from the Magnolia Springs animal shelter as well as animals that are being fostered by BARC volunteers.

The Fall Adoptathon is one of their most successful events, he said, and the number of animals in Baldwin County that need homes continues to grow.

BARC has more than 60 dogs and more than 100 cats that need homes.

“The crisis we have in terms of animal control and overcrowding would go away almost overnight,” Reuss said. “If people would spay or neuter their pets and adopt from rescue groups.”

The Haven in Fairhope brought 25 healthy and adoptable animals a day to the event, according to Michael Graham, executive director. The animals were rotated over the three day period and given a special bath and grooming prior to the event.

“Every animal was given a chance to get a home,” he said.

Graham said there is a lot of preparation of the on-site animals at The Haven prior to this event.

These events provide an opportunity for the pets to meet the community and bring more awareness to the problem of pet overpopulation.

“It shows the impact that people have on saving lives,” Graham said.

Last year in September, The Haven adopted out 86 animals, and Graham hoped to beat last year’s record.

Most rescue groups spay or neuter pets prior to pets being adopted or a voucher is given.

Animals received the appropriate shots, vaccinations, heartworm testing and additional testing if necessary.

One great need that shelters and rescue groups are facing is to have more foster homes for pets. Foster homes are utilized so healthy and adoptable animals can be taken care of until a permanent home is found.

So, the next time you want to add a pet to the family, consider adopting from a pet rescue group or local animal shelter.