Wake County will offer all pets for only $25 from December 1 through December 23, 2009. The special rate is meant to encourage adoptions and find homes for as many animals as possible during the holiday season.

“We are very excited to offer all of our animals for just $25 for the next few weeks,” said Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption center director Michael Williams. “Several local citizens and businesses have partnered with the County to make this program possible, and together we hope to find homes for hundreds of homeless animals this holiday season.”

The normal price for dogs is $70; the normal price for cats is $50.

This program is made possible by sponsorships received from generous donors in the community. Through their contributions, all animals available for adoption will be given a greater chance of finding a new family during these hard economic times. Multiple adoptions are encouraged; each household can adopt up to two animals at this reduced rate.

The $25 fee applies to all cats and dogs available for adoption, and includes spay/neuter, rabies vaccine, first round of general vaccinations, de-worming, topical flea and tick treatment, a heartworm or FIV/Felu test and a microchip identification implant.

Rabbits, ferrets and reptiles, when available, may also be adopted at the reduced rate of $25.

The Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center also offers gift certificates to allow future pet owners to pick out their own animals.

For more information, visit www.wakegov.com/pets.