The Hall County Animal Shelter will celebrate the holiday season by waiving all adoption fees during December to those who wish to welcome a new furry member to their family.
“We saw a tremendous outcome during our Santa Paws season last year, so we brought it back along with the grant from the Bissell Pet Foundation, which will allow us to extend free pet adoptions throughout the whole month of December,” Shelter Supervisor Stephanie Maloch said.
The Bissell Pet Foundation will sponsor the cost of all adoptions using its “Empty the Shelter” program from Dec. 1 through Dec. 17, while fees will be waived throughout the remainder of the month through the shelter’s “Santa Paws” campaign.
“While we do want to remove barriers to ensure pets make it home in time for the holidays, we do still want people to remember that adopting a pet is a long-term commitment,” Maloch said. “Families need to consider all the factors that come with being a pet owner before making the decision to adopt – we don’t want these pets to end up back at our shelter.”
But shelter officials say interested families should consider the following factors before adopting a pet:
· Gifts are great, surprises are not: Make sure the intended recipient is serious about wanting a pet and is prepared to care for them. If a person is caught off guard with a new pet, they may not be ready for the commitment. Even better than gifting them a pet you chose, give them a card inviting them to go to the shelter to meet or pick their new family member. This ensures a good match of energy, temperament and personality for the pet and new owner.
· Ensure the whole family is ready for the responsibility: Children won’t always keep up with the responsibility of pet ownership. Although they may be the most excited to have a new furry family member, everyone in the family should be prepared to provide care for the new pet.
· Verify holiday plans: Are there plans to travel? Will there be lots of company coming and going? Transitioning to a new home can be stressful, so ensure there is time during the holidays to make your new pet feel welcome and comfortable.
· Consider life after the holidays: Everyone in the house may be on break from school and work for the holidays, but it’s important to keep in mind what the family routine is once everyone returns to school and to work.
The shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00-4:00 for in-person visits with the adoptable animals or you can check them out online at Animal Shelter online .