Up to 10 local families and up to 3,000 nationwide will be able to adopt a pet Saturday for no charge in a nationwide effort to boost the number of shelter animals that get new homes.

Williamson County Animal Control is one of 300 shelters throughout the country participating in Change a Pet's Life Day, which is aimed at focusing attention on shelters and rescue groups and enticing potential adopters. Fees for the first 10 adoptions at each participating shelter will be paid for by Hill's Pet Nutrition of Topeka, Kan., which organized the event.
Debbie Leddy, assistant shelter director at Williamson County Animal Control, said the shelter coordinates an average of 35 animal adoptions per week, though statistics show the winter months tend to be slower.