Orange County Animal Services in Florida is running a short $5 adoption promotion this week for dogs and cats four months and older. The offer runs Wednesday through Sunday, October 14–18, 2026, according to reporting by FOX 35 Orlando.
Standard fees at the shelter usually fall between $50 and $80 depending on whether the animal is a dog or a cat. During the promotion, adopters pay $5 and still receive the usual package: spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, a microchip, a first deworming, and a heartworm test for dogs six months and older.
No appointments are required. Prospective adopters can walk in or review available animals on the shelter’s website first. Bring a valid photo ID; the shelter accepts cash, credit or debit cards, and checks.
Diane Summers, division manager of Orange County Animal Services, said the shelter is “excited to offer this promotion and hopefully help many of the wonderful pets in our care find their new families” now that operations are back to normal. The pause had been tied to construction of the county’s new animal shelter.
In a social media post cited by FOX 35, the shelter addressed concerns about low fees, saying the discount does not mean animals are worth less or that adopter standards are lower—only that one barrier between pets and homes is being removed.
New shelter under construction
Orange County is building a 123,000-square-foot facility next to the current shelter near the Mall of Millenia. County plans call for capacity of 265 dogs and nearly 200 cats, with an expected opening in fall 2027.
In 2025, more than 15,000 dogs and cats came through Orange County Animal Services, and between 88% and 91% were adopted. Florida shelters often see a steadier kitten intake year-round than shelters in colder climates, the report noted.
What it means for pet owners
If you live near Orlando and have been waiting for the right moment to adopt, this week’s fee cut lowers the upfront cost—but lifelong care still includes food, veterinary visits, and training. Once you bring a pet home, you can browse playful name ideas on our cat name generator or funny dog names list while you settle in.
Promotions like this also help shelters recover after construction disruptions. Even if you are outside Orange County, checking your local municipal shelter for seasonal fee waivers is a practical way to support animals already in the system.
Source
FOX 35 Orlando — Orange County $5 pet adoptions (October 14, 2026; reporting by Emily Ching).
Featured image is an AI-generated illustration and not a photo of any real animal or person.
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