Orange County Animal Services is trying to protect 500 animals from summer's immense heat without an air-conditioning system.
The county decided in February that it would be too expensive to upgrade the facility's AC system, so it opted to use a ventilation system instead.
The fans are much-needed, because Central Florida is in the middle of a six-week stretch that produces the year's warmest temperatures.
"It does provide relief and (makes it) a few temperatures degrees lower than (what) it would be otherwise," said Diane Summers, a shelter spokeswoman.
Workers are doing what they can to help keep the animals cool.
Credit: WFTV.com
Credit: WFTV.com
"Certain dogs are going to be predisposed to have issues with the heat -- those with short noses, those with heavy coats," Summers said. "So those are ones we are especially keeping an eye on."
The county has plans to build a new air-conditioned facility, but Summers said the shelter's animals would best be served through adoptions.
Credit: WFTV.com
Credit: WFTV.com
Fees have been lowered to $10 to make adoption more affordable. The cost includes a spaying/neutering surgery, vaccines and a microchip implantation.
Resident Michael Westberry visited the shelter Tuesday to adopt a dog.
"We got a dog over there picked out," he said. "Why go to a pet store when you can get a dog for 10 bucks and actually help one out here?"
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