Summer is a great time to adopt a furry new family member, according to the co-sponsor of an event this month where plenty of prospective new pets will be available.

The Suffolk Humane Society and Suffolk Animal Control are sponsoring an adoptathon in Chesapeake on June 16.

The adoptathon will be held at the Portsmouth Boulevard Lowe’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., marking the first time the store has hosted such an event.

“Generally kids are out of school (during the summer),” Suffolk Humane Community Outreach Director Kay Hurley said. “Things are a little more relaxed, so it’s a great time to consider adding a new member to the family and (to) take time to acclimate the pet, and for you to acclimate to them.”

An adoptathon at Chesapeake Square PetSmart on June 3 saw five dogs and two cats go to new homes, Hurley said.

“It’s definitely a good result for them,” she added.

According to Hurley, Lowe’s contacted Suffolk Animal Control about hosting the adopt-a-thon.

Portsmouth Boulevard Lowe’s Manager Kim Irving said the adoptathon would be held as part of a broader event to connect with the community.

“We’re actually doing a community day,” she said, adding that the city of Chesapeake fire and police departments, American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Club of America, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Habitat for Humanity and two different car clubs would also take part.

“The Chick-fil-A cow will be there,” she said. “No community event is complete without the Chick-fil-A cow.”

Irving is excited about Suffolk Humane Society’s involvement. “We’re extremely happy that they’re coming,” she said. “I think it’s a great partnership to be able to reach out into the community.”

Suffolk Animal Control Shelter Manager Debie Jefts stated in a press release, “Pets offer unconditional love, and we have so many who are just waiting for the chance to demonstrate their love to a special person or family. We encourage people to come out and see the wonderful pets we have up for adoption.”

Hurley said the new dog park the city of Suffolk is opening at Lake Meade give citizens even more reason to adopt a new pet.

“It’s a great time to be out walking a dog,” she said.

To view pets available for adoption, visit www.SuffolkHumaneSociety.com.