The Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) is stepping up this holiday season to help the city's homeless pets find a place in the hearts and homes of loving families. In an initiative aimed at bringing a tail-wagging or purring joy to the season of giving, DAS is slicing adoption fees down to $50 for all dogs and cats over the age of one, making it easier for these animals to find their forever homes before December 31.
Under normal circumstances, adopting a furry friend from the shelter can run prospective pet owners $150 for dogs and $95 for cats. But these special holiday pricing, which is significantly reduced, include not just the cost of taking a pet home but also spay-neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip, and a one-year pet license. All of these are crucial for a pet’s well-being and the safety of the community, offering a comprehensive package to start the pet-owner relationship right, according to Denver Animal Shelter (DAS), as obtained by the City and County of Denver.
With the holiday impulse to give pets as gifts, Melanie Sobel, Director at Denver Animal Shelter, cautions that such decisions shouldn't be made lightly. "Pets require a lot of responsibility and will be with the family for 10 years or more. It's not realistic to think kids can take care of a puppy or kitten. They will always need help from their parents," Sobel stated, as per the City and County of Denver. Moreover, she adds that responsible pet ownership involves substantial care, including quality food, medical attention, training, and socialization, indicating the long-term devotion required even as the holidays fade.
For those realizing that the rigors of day-to-day pet care are more than they can presently commit to, DAS provides alternative ways to spread holiday cheer. Offering numerous volunteer opportunities, the shelter invites individuals to assist in caring for homeless animals and supports the shelter's mission by making donations, which can even be gifted in someone else's name for a personal touch. And with the spirit of Giving Tuesday in full force, every contribution can have double the impact, matched up to $20,000, as detailed by the City and County of Denver.
