All they want for Christmas is a home.

The BC SPCA is trying to find “forever homes” for hundreds of homeless animals during the month of December through its Home for the Holidays pet adoption drive. SPCA shelters, adoption centres and volunteer-run branches currently have 4,000 homeless cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, rabbits and small animals in care.

“What better gift to give a homeless animal than a caring family and a warm home?” says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA. “The SPCA strongly discourages giving pets as gifts. But if an individual or family has carefully considered their decision and the responsibility of a new pet, the holidays can be an optimum time to adopt. Families are more likely to be off work or school during the holidays and have more time to spend with each other and with their new companion animal.”

Chortyk says it is sad to think of animals having to spend the holidays at a shelter. “Our staff and volunteers do an outstanding job of nurturing the animals in our care, but there is no substitute for being part of a permanent, loving family. If you are thinking about welcoming a dog, cat or other furry creature into your home at this time of year, please come and meet some of the wonderful pets that we have available. Your love will change the life of a homeless animal forever.”

You can search animals available for adoption by location, breed, age, gender, colour and other characteristics at bcpetsearch.com, the BC SPCA Pet Search website.

Visit the BC SPCA in person or online and find your new best friend today!

Download the Home for the Holidays adoption drive poster to put up in your neighbourhood.

Watch the Home for the Holidays video.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.