Give a shelter pet a Home for the Holidays

Could Santa Paws be coming to your home on Christmas?

The Ontario SPCA’s campaign Home for the Holidays is aiming to find homes for 500 shelter pets by Dec. 24, and maybe one of them is the pu-r-r-fect fit to join your family.

The OSPCA, which operates a total of 13 shelters across the province, including a York Region branch near Aurora, and one in Durham Region, has a host of furry friends just waiting for the perfect adopter. 

Adoption process

Crystal Brain, Manager of the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre, says the adoption process will still follow the standard procedure — no surprise gifts for anyone.

“We want to make sure these animals are staying in a home forever,” she said. “We always encourage adopters to come to the centre and meet the animal. We ask them questions about their lifestyle, their home setup, and whether they have other animals in the home.”

One of the pets waiting for a home at the York Region location is a senior kitty named Mouse. He is very friendly, and approaches visitors for pets, but prefers to be a solo pet in a home. His lower energy lifestyle would be perfect for a quiet, calm environment where he can catch up on his beauty rest.

Another animal who has been a longtime resident at the shelter is a big pup named Birch. Young and full of energy, this big girl gives plenty of kisses. Highly food-motivated and ready to please, Birch will do well in a home where she can get lots of exercise.

Matching pets to a home

Matching pets to the correct home is a goal for the shelter, and they will provide ongoing support for adopters, including access to resources like training. The shelter will also facilitate meetings for dogs, to ensure the existing pooch and the potential new pal will get along. “We want to be sure it’s a good fit,” explained Brain.

While a puppy or kitten may look cute, Brain also wanted to point out the value of older pets, who can sometimes be overlooked in the shelter. “Senior animals are great because they’re already set up, they already know what they like and don’t like. They’re usually house trained. And typically require a little bit less, as opposed to a kitten for example, who needs constant stimulation.”

Recommended video

With many people spending more time than usual at home during the holidays, it’s also a great time to bring home a new animal and help them get settled. “When you have time off and you’re home a little bit more, it’s a great opportunity to have the time to get them integrated into the home.”

Looking for fosters

For those who are not able to adopt, but still want to help, the OSPCA shelters are always looking for fosters who can help with animals who may need a place to recover from a medical procedure, or one who is struggling in the shelter environment.

The centres also accept donations of items such as food and toys, and provides a food bank resource for those pet owners in need. Brain also added the centres can provide other opportunities within the local communities for pet owners in need of assistance.

Those looking to adopt a pet can visit www.ontariospca.ca

laura.nelles@sunmedia.com