How to Help Shelter Pets This Holiday Season

The holidays are a wonderful season to give back—and many pets could use some giving back. Across the country, thousands of cats, dogs, and small animals wait in kennels for the right person to notice them and bring them home. 

You don’t have to adopt every pet in the shelter to make a difference—although we certainly wish this were feasible. There are several ways to support these pets, from donating to animal shelters to prioritizing holiday pet adoption over buying from a breeder. 

Here are four ways to support animal shelters this holiday season from the team at The Whole Pet Vet Hospital & Wellness Center.

1. Consider Adoption, But Make it Thoughtful 

The holidays are a fantastic time to bring home a new, furry family member—if you have the time, energy, and resources to do so for the entirety of the pet’s life. 

Unfortunately, too many puppies and kittens get bought during the holidays, only for families to realize they can’t care for them once the excitement dies down. If you know you’re ready to welcome a new member to your family, consider joining the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement. 

Adopting a shelter pet gives homeless animals a second chance at life, reduces demand for commercial breeding operations, and creates space for more pets in need to enter a shelter. 

2. Try Fostering a Pet Over the Holidays

If you like the idea of adopting, but aren’t sure how you’ll adapt to an older pup or kitty, try fostering pets first. Many shelters run holiday foster programs, where families bring home a dog or cat for a few weeks or months. 

This gives pets a break from the shelter and helps you get to know their true personalities. It’s a short-term way to give a furry life some extra TLC. And if you and the pet end up connecting, adoption can be a natural next step. 

3. Donate to Animal Shelters

If you’re unable to adopt a pet, consider making a donation to an animal shelter. When you do this, you’re providing food, veterinary care, toys, and bedding for animals in need. 

Call your local shelter and ask if they need any non-monetary items, like cleaning supplies, towels, or gently used bedding. Many shelters even post Amazon wish lists and create holiday giving trees to make donations easy.

4. Volunteer Your Time

Countless animal shelters are fueled by volunteer power. Even just donating a few hours a month to walk dogs, clean enclosures, or socialize shy cats can make a huge impact. Especially over the holidays, when staff are stretched to their limits. 

What to Do After Adopting a Pet

If you do decide to offer a new home to a pet in need, one of the first things to do is schedule a veterinary visit. Your veterinarian can perform physical and lab examinations to determine your pet’s baseline health and provide ongoing treatment for any underlying health issues.

The team at The Whole Pet Vet is happy to help your adopted pal get off to the healthiest possible start. Call us today at (408) 402-3071 to schedule an appointment.