This week's adoptable pet is Ava, an 8-month-old German Shepherd mix.

Ava, is a calm and loving puppy in need of a loving home. She is a sweet and fun-loving dog, full of personality. She loves to be near people and would be happy to play with toys or just sit by your side. She has been with Manatee County Animal Services since Jan.9, when her owners dropped her off at Manatee County Animal Services. You can visit Ava at the county's downtown adoption center next week or today at the Palmetto adoption center for Animal Services. The downtown center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Palmetto location is open weekdays and also on Saturdays.

January is a great month to adopt. Manatee County Animal Services is letting adoption families name their price for cats and dogs throughout January, so get there by Tuesday to name your price for a sweet puppy like Ava. All adopters must pay the $10 Manatee County license fee, in addition to the adoption fee of choice. Adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations, health check, microchip and current rabies certificate/tag. This adoption special is another step in the County’s plan to become a no-kill community.  

For more information, visit www.mymanatee.org/pets or call 941-742-5824. The animal services webpage features updated photos and descriptions of the pets available for adoption. Pet owners can also use the site to locate missing pets.

Pets are also available for adoption locally at:

• Animal Network Inc. at Petsmart, 4425 14th St. W.
• Humane Society of Manatee County, 2515 Tamiami Trail
• Bishop Animal Shelter SPCA, 5718 21st Ave. W.
• Gulf Shore Animal League at Pet Supermarket, 6908 Manatee Ave W.
• Nates Place Dog and Cat Adoption Center, 8435 Cooper Creek Blvd.