But the three cities have yet to decide what to charge for adoption, Underwood said. Cooper is finding homes for some of the animals with the help of two local animal groups. Pet Overpopulation Prevention, a volunteer group, has found homes for four animals so far, he said. And any animal adopted through Bar-King must first be spayed or neutered, he said. People who adopt animals could get help paying for the operation from donations being made by residents, animal groups and veterinarians.
Cooper also plans to create a responsible pet owner program in the next couple of weeks.
He is collecting gift certificates from local businesses. Then, if he sees a person with an animal on a leash that has its proper tags, Cooper may stop and give the pet owner one of those certificates. Michelle Young, who runs Bar-King with her family, said the animals are walked three or four times a day. The family will not take animals for private kenneling while it is contracting with the cities, she said. The kennel is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.