KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
December 9, 2022
By Natalie Cook Clark
This year has seen animal shelters in crisis as reports of many reaching over capacity limits continue. Many local shelters are participating in various adoption events that reduce or waive adoption fees to help place pets in loving homes for the holidays.
Just a few of the lovable dogs up for adoption at CAP. Photos courtesy of CAP
Local Animal Shelters Are at Capacity
Katy area animal shelters continue to experience unprecedented numbers with some reported the need for pop up kennels in offices and hallways. Many local shelters and rescues are offering reduced or waived adoption fees to help clear the shelters and put pets in loving homes for the holidays.
Understanding Adopting During the Holidays
While the holidays are a great time to introduce a new furry friend since students are home, it also takes planning and preparation. Now is the time to adopt or bring in a foster so the Katy families can take the time to help the pet adjust before routines are thrown off the week of Christmas and New Year’s.
“People going out of town and family coming over can make the holidays a tricky time to bring in a new pet,” says Bianca Burrascano, Marketing Director for Citizens for Animal Protection.
While it can be tricky, it can be done with planning.
“Make sure you have time for a pet to get used to home before any routine changes,” says Burrascano. “It’s also important to make sure pets have a safe space to go to when people are over.”
Shelters Educate Families; Returning Pets are Rare
Katy area shelters want pets to be adopted and help them those wanting to take that step. Most shelters conduct interviews and educate those who adopt to avoid pets being returned.
“Sometimes we might see one or two pets come back in January, but we really try to educate those who adopt,” says Burrascano.
Huge Demand for Fosters
Local shelters are also working to help during the current crisis. If Katy families are unsure if adoption is right for them at this time, there is a huge demand for fosters. Families can choose what type of dog they wish to foster and organizations cover the cost.
“Shelters are overflowing, and rescues are doing everything possible to try and alleviate the strain, but we can’t do it without fosters,” says Caroline Walker-Trulock with Almost Home Pet Rescue.
Many Katy area shelters are offering special adoption rates to help families save on adoption pets this holiday season. The hope is to get pets in loving homes but also clear out the shelters so they can end the year not at capacity.
17555 Katy Freeway
CAP is partnering with Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to save the lives of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025, to lower adoption fees this weekend (December 9-11.)
CAP invites everyone to their Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 10th. West Houston Subaru will be sponsoring 50% adoption fees, and adopters who wear an Ugly Holiday Sweater will have their adoption fee completely waived.
“There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer this holiday season than to adopt or foster a shelter pet in need,” says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “By adopting a best friend, you’re giving one lucky dog or cat a home as well as creating space for another pet to be rescued. That means you become a lifesaver to two animals in need and there’s no better gift than that.”
Adoption Event December 10, 2022
11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Pet Supplies Plus
21011 Highland Knolls Dr.
Almost Home Pet Rescue is hosting an adoption event in Katy this Saturday. They are also always in need of fosters.
“We are always needing fosters,” says Walker-Trulock. “I don’t think people realize that they can also sign up to be a temporary foster. This is when a family can essentially cover for another foster if that foster has to go out of town for a specified period.”
Almost Home Pet Rescue provides everything that a foster would need including medical care.
“Fosters provide a safe home environment and love,” says Walker-Trulock.
Mochi needs a new foster. Photo courtesy of Almost Home Pet Rescue
1210 Blume Road
Rosenberg
Fort Bend County Animal Shelter is also participating in Best Friends Animal Society’s National Adoption Weekend.
The organization says that so many animals are in need of a loving home. They are currently so over capacity that they are housing dogs in pop up kennels in hallways and office spaces.
They are currently waiving adoption fees.
3830 Greenhouse Road
Special Pals is currently participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Holiday Hope Event. Adoption fees are reduced through December 11.
Other Ways to Help
If you are unable to adopt or foster, many shelters need donations. They accept both monetary and supplies. Some have links to wish lists on Amazon and Chewy. Click on their websites to find out how to help.