Rochester Animal Services invites families to adopt shelter dogs for just $1 during Dollar Dog Days through July 26

Rochester, New York – Rochester Animal Services is encouraging local residents to open their homes to shelter dogs through its Dollar Dog Days adoption event, a limited-time campaign that lowers adoption fees to just $1 for approved adopters. The special promotion runs through Sunday, July 26, and is designed to help more dogs leave the shelter and begin life with permanent families.

The event comes at an important time for Rochester Animal Services, which is continuing its ROC The Shelter campaign while renovation work is underway at its facility. Because construction has temporarily reduced the number of available kennels, each successful adoption creates valuable space for another animal waiting to receive care.

Officials say the campaign is about much more than a discounted adoption fee. It is an opportunity to match dogs with families while easing pressure on the shelter during a period when space is limited. By helping one dog find a home, adopters also make room for another pet that may soon need shelter and medical attention.

“Every dog deserves the chance to experience the comfort and stability of a loving home,” said Staci Papadoplos, Director of Rochester Animal Services. “As renovations continue, every adoption helps us care for more animals by creating much-needed space inside the shelter. We hope our community will come out to meet and adopt some of our incredible dogs.”

A wide variety of dogs are available through the adoption event. Rochester Animal Services currently has around 20 dogs living with foster families while waiting for permanent homes, along with about 10 more staying at the shelter itself. The available dogs represent different ages, breeds, sizes, and personalities, giving prospective adopters the chance to find a companion that best fits their household and lifestyle.

Read also: Greater Rochester Chamber announces Faheem Masood as the first recipient of the 2026 Golisano Philanthropy Award for his decades of community leadership

Every dog adopted during the event will already have several important veterinary services completed before going home. Each pet will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, allowing new owners to welcome their new companion with confidence.

People interested in adopting a dog that is currently at the shelter can visit Rochester Animal Services during its normal adoption hours at 184 Verona St. The organization is also continuing to hold off-site adoption events, giving residents additional opportunities to meet adoptable dogs outside the shelter. Information about those events is shared through the Verona Street Animal Society’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

To help ensure successful placements, Rochester Animal Services recommends that everyone living in the household attend the adoption meet-and-greet. Families who already own dogs are also encouraged to bring their resident pets so staff can help determine whether the animals are likely to be a good match before an adoption is finalized.

For those who may not be ready to make a permanent commitment, the shelter is also seeking additional foster caregivers. Foster volunteers provide temporary homes for dogs while they wait for adoption, helping reduce crowding inside the shelter. Rochester Animal Services supplies food, veterinary care, and other necessary resources throughout the fostering period, along with continued support for participating families.

Read also: County Executive Adam Bello introduces legislation to bring New York’s veterans’ property tax exemption program to Monroe County

The Dollar Dog Days promotion is being offered with support from the BISSELL Pet Foundation through its nationwide Empty the Shelters® initiative. The program helps shelters across the country reduce adoption costs while increasing the number of pets placed into permanent homes. Beyond adoption efforts, the foundation also supports programs focused on spaying and neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and emergency assistance for shelters and animals in need.

Residents interested in learning more about available dogs, submitting an adoption application, or exploring foster opportunities can find additional information through Rochester Animal Services. Shelter officials hope the combination of reduced adoption fees, community support, and expanded fostering will allow many more dogs to leave temporary care behind and begin a new chapter with loving families before the campaign concludes on July 26.