FAYETTEVILLE — The Washington County Animal Shelter will offer free adoptions of dogs or cats to any active military personnel or veteran Friday and Saturday to celebrate Independence Day.

Angela Ledgerwood, shelter director, said it’s the first time the shelter has waived its adoption fees since it opened in September.

Family and friends of military veterans can adopt animals for $10. Cat adoptions normally cost $45 and dogs cost $65, according to the shelter.

Ledgerwood said military personnel should bring documentation, such as an identification card, for the free adoptions. Family and friends do not have to provide documentation and just tell the name of the veteran, she said.

“We are inviting veteran’s support organizations to come out and be part of the event to share information about their respective organizations and the services they offer,” Mike Emery, a shelter employee, wrote in a news release. “We have several veterans on staff here at the shelter that include our shelter veterinarian, our volunteer coordinator, several of our volunteers, and myself.”

The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 801 Clydesdale Drive behind the county Juvenile Detention Center.