Holiday Adoptions: Myth-Busting and Making Joyful Commitments

The holidays bring warm lights, cherished traditions, and opportunities to give the gift of love. For many, this season is the perfect time to add a pet to their family. Despite the joy pets can bring, misconceptions often cloud the idea of holiday adoptions—one of the most persistent being the false notion that pets adopted during the holidays are more likely to be returned.

Let’s set the record straight: both national and local data show that pets adopted during the holidays are not returned at higher rates. At the SPCA, our experience confirms this. Families who adopt during the holidays often come to us with careful thought and preparation, ensuring their new furry friend is truly welcomed home for life.

Adopting a Pet During the Holidays:

Adopting during the holiday season can bring immeasurable joy and deepen the holiday spirit in your home. Here’s why you might consider adoption this time of year:

1. A Season of Togetherness: The holidays often mean more time at home, giving your family the opportunity to bond with a new pet and establish routines together.
2. Creating Special Memories: From the excitement of a first walk in the snow to sharing cozy moments by the fire, welcoming a pet during the holidays can be the start of lifelong memories.
3. Saving Lives: Shelters like the SPCA see an increase in animals needing homes this time of year. By adopting, you’re giving a deserving pet a fresh start and making space for us to help more animals.

A Myth That Deserves to Be Laid to Rest:

The idea that holiday adoptions result in a higher return rate has no basis in fact. At the SPCA, we track adoption outcomes carefully. Year after year, returns of holiday adoptions are consistent with, or even lower than, the average for the rest of the year.

The misconception likely stems from misunderstandings about holiday gifting. While we do not support surprising someone with a pet they didn’t ask for, adopting as a family or with thoughtful planning is a completely different story.

A Lifelong Commitment:

Adopting a pet during the holidays is a wonderful way to add love and cheer to your home, but it should always be done responsibly. Before making this big decision, ask yourself:

• Are you ready for the financial commitment? Pets come with costs, from food to vet care, toys, and more.
• Can you make a lifelong promise? Pets require time, training, and love for their entire lives.
• Does a pet fit your lifestyle? Consider whether your home, schedule, and family dynamics align with the needs of a pet.

Let the SPCA Help:

This holiday season, we encourage families ready for the commitment to visit the SPCA and meet pets looking for homes. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect match.

Adopting during the holidays isn’t just about bringing joy to your family—it’s about saving a life and making your home a little brighter. Together, let’s make this season unforgettable for you and a pet in need.

Visit our website to see our available animals or stop by the shelter to meet them in person. This holiday season, give the gift of love—and receive it tenfold.