Several local pet rescue services are offering free adoptions this weekend.

The Humane Society of North Central Florida’s annual North Florida Pet Adoption Days will take place Saturday and Sunday, and approved families will be able to adopt dogs and cats for free. All adoptable animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and current on vaccinations.

Local rescue groups participating in the event include the Humane Society, Alachua County Animal Services, Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue and Puppy Hill Farm Animal Rescue.

Animal Services is currently undergoing a quarantine due to a recent outbreak of distemper, a highly contagious disease that affects dogs’ nervous, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.

However, the quarantine lifts Saturday, administrative coordinator Nikki Healy said in an email.

Many dogs will be available for adoption both at Animal Services and others cleared for transport to PetSmart.

Last year, 424 animals were adopted from PetSmart as part of the event. Store manager Mike Lyons said he expects that number may slightly increase this year, as it continues to be one of the store’s largest adoption events.

“That event tends to grow every year,” he said.

Lyons stressed the importance of considering your lifestyle when choosing a pet. Some families might benefit from a high-energy large breed dog, while others might be better suited for a laid back lap dog or cat, he said.

Although potential adopters may arrive at a store or shelter with the idea of their perfect companion already visualized, Lyons said looking at photos or videos on a screen or a description of an animal cannot compare to meeting a prospective pet in person.

“A lot of times, the animal chooses you,” he said. “Come in with an open mind.”

North Florida Pet Adoption Days locations:

Alachua County Animal Services, 3400 NE 53rd Ave.. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Humane Society of North Central Florida North Campus, 4205 NW Sixth St., noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

PetSmart Butler Plaza, 3736 SW Archer Road, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.