Every year, hundreds of people ask for a pet for Christmas. Puppies and kittens often bring a smile to people’s faces. And while giving pets as gifts can be an amazing way to help lower the amount of overpopulation within shelters, it’s not a flawless system. After the holidays, most shelters will see an increase in pets being surrendered. Many people don’t understand the work and commitment it takes to be a pet owner, and since these animals are given as gifts, it’s hard to expect the owner and pet to always be a perfect match.

Another issue is that the majority of adopted pets are only young cats and dogs, leaving senior animals in the shelter. While the appeal of young, energetic animals is apparent, only adopting young animals leaves behind dozens of older pets in shelters. These older pets spend around four times longer than a puppy would in a shelter.

Senior dogs only have about a 25% adoption rate . Many don’t look to adopt older cats and dogs due to health concerns and shorter life spans, overlooking many great options for a family pet. 

Older pets offer great benefits. Many older animals are already potty trained or trained to do tricks, as they’ve likely been surrendered to the shelter. These pets also tend to be calmer, gentler, and slower, which can be beneficial for families that don’t have time to take animals on constant walks or pay constant attention to them. 

Even though a cat or dog may be older, it doesn’t guarantee they are at the end of their life span. Many animals can surpass the normal life span of 10-12 years with the right attention and care. If given medical attention, the right diet, and a good living area, many pets can thrive. 

Despite pets’ life spans, some owners don’t consider their animals as a long-term commitment at all. Owner surrender rates of pets have been steadily increasing over the years, and as of 2024, over 31% of shelter intakes for dogs are ones being surrendered. Alongside that, 33% of cat shelter intakes are surrendered cats. 

Another problem is the stress many animals face when being adopted during the holidays. The environment will be louder, crazier, and can cause a lot of stress for new pets making it harder for them to adjust to their new home. 

This stress can cause animals to be more prone to biting, scratching, and disobedience. New pets need time to be introduced to a new environment, so it’s not ideal for them to be introduced to their new space during the busiest time of the year. 

These return rates always hit a spike during the New Year after the holiday gift giving season. So, how can we help avoid this, while still providing homes for animals? 

FOSTERING AN ANIMAL 

Fostering is a helpful way to get animals out of the shelter and into homes for brief amounts of time. This can help get animals adjusted to life outside of the shelter, as well as help them relax. 

This also increases the chances of adoption for the pet. It can help teach them basic skills, including potty training, basic commands, and can help socialize them. Many of these animals suffer from behavioral issues due to high stress and lack of socialization, which is a critical component of any domesticated animal’s day. 

Fostering, unfortunately, is not a completely free experience. For the months that an animal stays with you, you will have to supply them food, toys, a kennel if necessary, and anything else that will help with taking care of the animal. 

The monthly cost of taking care of an animal is roughly in between $80-$440, depending on medical bills and other costs related specifically to the breed or type of animal you are taking care of.  

With each new foster, you can learn new skills and over time, you will be able to help dozens of animals who have had a hard time in classic shelter conditions. 

There are many steps to fostering, but if you’re interested in helping foster animals locally in Missoula, go look at the Humane Society’s page. They walk you through the process of fostering, and help you apply.

VOLUNTEERING

If you want to help, but don’t have the time or can’t commit to fostering, then volunteering is a great alternative. There are dozens of volunteer opportunities and programs available in nearly every city imaginable, and most don’t require frequent time dedication. 

Many shelters need volunteers to help with cleaning kennels and feeding animals. They also need help with walking and socializing dogs and cats who wouldn’t otherwise be given time to see people and visitors. 

Keep in mind that some volunteer work does require monthly schedules and time commitments, especially when working one on one with these animals. This is because many of them can’t handle stress or constant change, and need consistent schedules and to see the same people. 

This is an amazing way to get involved with the community, since you get to spend time with other people who share your love for pets. It can also help prepare you for the responsibilities of pet owning if you’re not quite sure you’re ready for it yet. 

DONATE

If you can’t do either of these things, you can always donate to local charities. No matter how big or how small the donation, it makes a difference. 

Across the globe, dozens of organizations exist that help keep shelters open for stray cats and dogs. You can donate online or inside different pet stores and shelters. The Humane Society is a non-profit that helps shelter and take care of hundreds of animals, with dozens of locations across the U.S.

In Missoula, there is an AniMeals location that helps house cats and kittens. You can donate money or food to the shelter. They have many pop-up sheds across the county that you can drop off food too. 

These donations will help pay for materials, food, and medical care for the shelter animals. Each animal needs food, vaccines, and most need to be spayed or neutered. 

Another solution that can help avoid this is waiting to adopt, or taking that person with you to the shelter. Adopting a pet is rewarding, and a bonding experience. Not only do you get a pet, but a friend. So it’s important to take the time to learn how to care for them, and give them the best experience you can. 

If you can adopt, then take your time looking for the perfect match for you and your family. If possible, wait until Christmas is over to avoid stress. And then, enjoy your holiday with your new friend!