City’s largest pet adoption event is this weekend

By Sara Wiercinski

KC Mega Match is an annual metro-wide shelter collaboration to place 700 pets in loving homes in one weekend.

From October 24-26, all dog, puppy, cat, and kitten adoption fees are $25 at local shelters, including KC Pet Project’s Swope Park campus at 7077 Elwood Ave. and Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd. 

Local Petco stores will offer cats for adoption, including locations at 539 Markey Parkway in Belton and 12124 15th St. in Grandview.

“We really look forward to this weekend,” said KC Pet Project CEO Kate Meghji. “All the shelters in the area work together to plan the event.”

Meghji says KC Pet Project’s adoption counseling process is effective in matching the right pet with a family. 

“Our team is very knowledgeable about the animals in our care. We ask people lots of questions to understand lifestyle and motivation, and are then able to make great recommendations.”

“Of course, sometimes people fall in love with an animal that they don’t expect. We love that too,” she said.

To that end, on October 24 KC Pet Project will open its dog adoption area to the public for the first time since 2020. Visitors will walk through the shelter area to see available dogs. 

“Even brief, positive interactions can make a difference for dogs who spend long days in the shelter — helping them relax and practice the positive behaviors that prepare them to meet their future families,” Meghji said.

The $25 adoption fee includes spay/neuter services, vaccines and a microchip. Many shelters are offering expanded weekend hours.

“At the end of Sunday, I can’t wait to see how many empty kennels there are around the metro,” said Meghji. “Everyone is exhausted, and it’s the best kind of exhaustion.”

Learn more at kcmegamatch.org and kcpetproject.org.