DEARBORN, Mich. – The clock is ticking—Christmas Eve is now less than ten days away.
If you were thinking of surprising the family with a new for the holidays, a local shelter can help.
Through Dec. 22, 2024, if you adopt a dog or cat from Friends of Animals of Metro Detroit, they will ensure your new family member is home for the holidays.
“They’re going to be our magical elves,” said Corey Keller from Friends of Animals of Metro Detroit.
In pairs of two, staff members at this Dearborn shelter will turn into elves to ensure Christmas morning is unforgettable.
“On Christmas Eve, we’re going to deliver your pet to your household as a surprise or gift to kids, loved ones, something like that,” said Keller.
The Home for the Holidays program hopes to spur more adoptions at a time when many shelters are overwhelmed with animals in need of forever homes.
“Shelters all over the country, including us, are overrun with cats and dogs, so it’s more important than ever to put a spotlight on that, that we still have amazing animals looking for wonderful homes and animals that have been with us for a long time,” said Keller.
If you decide to adopt, you’ll need to give your contact info and an address for delivery, as well as sign a photo release so the shelter can spread the holiday cheer online.
“Come in, see if cat or dog is the right fit, staff are here to help and support that and talk through any questions or concerns you might have,” said Keller.
For those who want to participate, the additional delivery service comes with a small donation to ensure your new furry family member is home in time for the holidays.
“We’re really hoping to see an increase in adoptions this holiday season so that we can find homes for the long-term animals,” said Keller.
The radius for delivery is 35 miles. You can also buy gift certificates for those who want to give the gift of a pet but aren’t sure who their loved one may want to adopt.