By noon, most of the puppies and dogs had been adopted, and many of the cats and kittens.

Staff and volunteers at the Newton County Animal Shelter were thrilled with the response to the first Adopt-a-Pet Day, Saturday, estimating nearly 40 animals had been given new homes.

“It’s gone really well,” said Jenifer Ragan, Media Specialist with the Humane Society of Newton County. “We’ve had a ton of people show up. Many have left with pets.”

The day offered residents a chance to adopt a pet with the normal fee, $25 for dogs, and $10 for cats, waived. All animals have had their first set of shots. Kittens and puppies will need additional shots in the next three weeks.

The event was held to give residents a chance to visit the shelter and see that it was a happy, friendly place, she said. “We’ve done more adopting today than I’ve seen.”

She said she talked to pet parents about the organization Lost Dogs of Georgia, on how to keep pets safe and advised that they have the pet spayed or neutered and a microchip embedded.

Teri-Key-Hooson, director of the Newton County Animal Control, said they’d learned a lot about how to hold an adopt-a-pet day. “We’re leaning things to make us more efficient,” she said. “We have one computer today. We’ll need more for the next time.”

The shelter, she said, has been about three-quarters full, which is unusual. “I’m thinking positively, that we’ve made a difference, plus all the rescue groups have made a difference.”

Key-Hooson said they will have another adopt-a-pet day, perhaps in six months.

The Newton County Animal Shelter is at 210 Lower River Road in Covington.