GCAO lowers fees to help older pets find ‘forever Valentines’

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach is hoping the community will open its hearts and homes to the shelter’s older pets this month. Through Feb. 28 at 5 p.m., adoption fees for adult cats and dogs have been reduced to $100 for animals one year and older, and $50 for pets six years and older, part of the shelter’s “Forever Valentine” promotion.

Assistant Manager Serena Jewell said February felt like the right time to break down barriers that sometimes prevent older pets from finding homes.

“February was just more so playing off the theme of your forever Valentine,” Jewell said. “And we know the holidays just kind of hit everyone pretty rough… so trying to help break down that barrier of adoption fees to get them to new homes was kind of our main goal.”

While puppies and kittens are adopted quickly, Jewell said older pets often wait far longer, even though they tend to be calmer, gentler and deeply appreciative of a second chance.

“Older dogs and cats tend to get forgotten pretty easily, unfortunately, and they’re just as good as any young little furball you find,” she said.

A shelter full of older pets

Several longtime residents are among those benefiting from the reduced fees. Jewell highlighted Hammy, Poppy, Prince, Georgine, Strelka, and Mazie, while Cat Lead Lupe Chavarria shared details about three senior cats: Sophie, Lylah and Callie.

Hammy, adopted from GCAO in 2018, returned to the shelter in 2025 after his owner passed away. The 120‑pound dog is on a strict diet and isn’t thrilled about it. Hammy is best as an only pet but loves a warm bed, a soft couch and a slow stroll.

“He gets daily walks and no treats, so he is very grumpy at that,” she said.

Known as a staff favorite, Poppy recently starred on GCAO’s TikTok after a doggy date outing.

“She rides great in the car. She’d make the perfect companion for somebody that loves to go on adventures,” Jewell said. “Her recall is getting pretty good, we’re almost at the point where we don’t have to have her on a leash anywhere.”

Prince is an elegant escape artist, Jewell said.

“His name rings true. He is a very pretty boy… he is not going to get muddy if he doesn’t have to,” Jewell said.

Prince once escaped the shelter after figuring out how to open a door, revealing just how clever he is. He attends community events and, during “puppy yoga,” served as “everybody’s emotional support Prince.”

Georgine, though selective about other animals, is deeply affectionate with people.

“She walks great on a leash… she’s a love bug. She would really make a great companion for someone,” Jewell said.

Strelka and her likely mother, Mazie, came to GCAO after their owner passed away.

Strelka is “super sweet… a little shy at first and a little accident‑prone,” Jewell said.

Mazie is older, spunky and visually impaired due to cataracts.

“She will bark, she will hop, she will tell you all about how she feels,” Jewell said.

Cat Lead Lupe Chavarria said GCAO’s older cats have just as much personality, and just as much love to offer. Sophie is very sassy, but a total love who wants attention all to herself.

Lylah is laid‑back and affectionate.

“She just likes to lay around and sleep and cuddle all day long,” Chavarria said.

Callie is shy initially but blossoms with patience.

“Once you get her love and attention, she comes around,” she said.

“These three babies… they may be old, but they have so much love to give,” Chavarria said.

Why older pets matter

Jewell said adopting an older animal is one of the most meaningful gifts a family can give.

“Adults may only know adult life as one that has been on the streets or mistreatment. Giving these adults that have already been failed once a second chance… is the best and vital role you can play in your community,” she said. “When you save one of our adults, you’re not just saving one animal, you’re making space for another one.”

The shelter plans to continue offering occasional fee‑reduction events based on need.

“If our shelter is pretty full, we like to help break down the barrier of adoption fees… and sometimes it’s just a cutesy holiday thing,” Jewell said.

Adoptions under the Valentine’s special run through Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. at Grant County Animal Outreach.

For more information or to meet any of the pets mentioned, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org or stop by the shelter in Moses Lake.

    Poppy, 5 years old, is a staff favorite at Grant County Animal Outreach. She is working on recall right now and can almost walk off leash, according to staff.
  

    Prince, 8 years old, fits his name well, avoiding dirt when possible and asking for “royal treatment. GCAO staff said.
  

    Georgine, 5 years old, is a little picky about the other animals she’s around but she loves people.
  

    Strelka, 5 years old, came to the shelter after her owner passed away. According to staff she is a little accident prone and can trip on air but she’s a total sweetheart.
  

    Mazie, 7 years old, came to the shelter with her daughter Strelka. She is visually impaired due to cataracts but still has a spunk to her.
  

    Sophie, 6 years old, is a little bit of an attention hog and would prefer to be in a single animal home, GCAO staff said.
  

    Lylah, 10 years old, is laid back and affectionate. She is an older girl who likes slow and easy days.
  

    Callie, 9 years old, is shy initially but blossoms with patience, according to staff.