The campaign attracts residents and students to the shelter. Shaniya Davis, animal sciences senior, followed SMRAS’ Instagram and found its post about the special. She wanted a cat as an emotional support animal for her depression and anxiety.

Reading the description of Enchanted, a 4-month-old cat with a shy and sweet nature similar to hers, and getting to hold her convinced Davis she found the one.

“I plan to take her wherever I go if we have that close bond,” Davis said.

Bentleigh Inocencio, criminal justice junior, discovered the event on Facebook. She came to the shelter to find a cat for her and her roommate since they both wanted a companion while in their apartment. Although she wanted to take advantage of the waived fees, the cat she chose was not considered ready-to-go.

“I’m not even getting [a pet] that the fee is waived [for],” Inocencio said. “I’m getting one that I’m still gonna have to pay [the adoption fee], but it’s fine because they all need good homes.”

The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 12-7 p.m. and Wednesday and Saturday from 12-5 p.m. For more information on adoptable cats and dogs, visit https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/3259/Adoptable-Animals.