AUSTIN, Texas — Animals are always in need of a home, and during the holiday season, shelters across Austin want to remind people the importance of adopting a pet.
Allison Swearingen is the dog placement manager at Austin Pets Alive! (APA!). She said this year, they've seen a good amount of adoptions throughout the year, but when it comes to people bringing them back it can be a hit or miss.
That's why Swearingen said the shelter prides itself on setting people up for success.
"We always do say adopting a dog as a gift for someone, maybe the surprise should be bringing them to the shelter so they can be a part of the process of selecting, make sure it's a good fit for everybody," said Swearingen.
Swearingen added there are also short-term options for those who aren't 100% sure.
"We can do sleepovers, we can do a foster, so we can kind of work with whatever time commitment somebody is willing to make," said Swearingen.
The goal is ultimately to get the pups out of the shelter and into the right homes.
It's a concept the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter also has with its best-match program. People are able to go on the site and get to know the dogs that fit the profile they want.
"What we encourage is for people to have honest and thorough conversations with us so that we have a full understanding of their lifestyle and can help them to make the best choice possible," said April Peiffer, community programs coordinator at Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.
Peiffer said the animal shelter has seen an uptick in adoptions within the past week, but when it comes to returns, she said it's just "part of the business." But she noted the shelter also has a Fostering Incentive Program, which was just introduced. A person can foster a dog for three weeks, and in return, that person can receive a gift card.
"Some people don't necessarily think about certain aspects of life when making that choice, but more often than not, people are happy to keep those furry family members at home with them," said Peiffer.
But if you are ready to make the commitment, Peiffer only hopes she can ease new pet owners' minds.
"We're so happy that families are finding new furry family members to help them celebrate the holidays," said Peiffer.
William County Animal Regional Center has a special through the end of the month. There is currently a $2 adoption fee, which comes with all of the age-appropriate vaccinations and includes animals getting spayed or neutered, according to Peiffer. Normally, adoption fees for dogs are $75. Cats are up for adoptions for $75.
At the moment, the animal center has 254 dogs and 23 cats up for adoption. Peiffer also added they have two guinea pigs and two rabbits also available.
APA! told KVUE its fees vary. Puppies are $250, while adult dogs are $175. Fees are waived for senior dogs. Currently, it has 200+ dogs and roughly 25 cats up for adoption.