AN ANIMAL shelter has cut its adoption costs ahead of the end of its contract with Campaspe Shire Council.

This month the Lost Dogs’ Home at Echuca is waiving the adoption fees for cats, while the adoption fees for puppies and dogs have been halved to $225 and $150 respectively.

Any adoption animals that have not found homes by the end of the month will be transferred to the Home’s North Melbourne shelter, while strays awaiting their owners will be cared for by the council.

The Home has been in Echuca for seven years.

“The decision to not renew the Home’s contract was made by the shire due to budgetary constraints on several matters that we felt would impact our capacity to offer the best in animal welfare,” chief executive officer Andrew Israel said.

Mr Israel said some staff had transferred to North Melbourne, some had applied for jobs with the council and others had taken redundancy packages.

Management of the shelter will be handed to Campaspe Shire Council on November 1.