Prospective dog and cat adopters can pay what they like Saturday to take home a new pet from Montgomery County's animal shelter.

Special hours for the adoption event at the shelter, at 14645 Rothgeb Drive in Rockville, are noon to 7 p.m. Sept.8.

Although the standard adoption fee — normally $175 for a dog and $90 for a cat — is not required, adopters still must fill out an application and meet with Montgomery County Humane Society staff to determine whether their home would be a match.

Adopters also are encouraged to bring family members to help choose the pet.

While the adoption fee is adjustable, adopters must get a county license for their new pet. A one-year license is $12 and a three year license is $32 for a spayed or neutered dog or cat; dogs and cats younger than one year also must be licensed but there is no charge for a one-year license. The license fee must be paid by check or money order.

Adopters also must bring government-issued identification, proof of current address and collars and leashes for dogs or carriers for cats to control the pet on the trip to its new home.

Renters must bring proof that their landlords approve their having a pet.

Also, through Sept. 30, the Montgomery County Humane Society is offering no-fee adoptions for all-black cats, which are often the last cats adopters choose from shelters.

mhyslop@gazette.net