Following the holiday season, families may have made stops at pet adoption centers looking for a new family member. In previous years, places such as the Oregon Humane Society and the Greenhill Humane Society have hosted events in order to get more pets adopted. 

Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene, Oregon, is where dogs, cats, and even rabbits can be adopted. The animal shelter goes through many adoption processes to find the perfect fit for someone. This includes phone consultation, in-person consultations, as well as just going in and seeing which animal appeals to you. Kelly Fleischmann, Community Engagement Manager, helps with this process.

“We generally see a spike during the holiday. A lot of people find it fun to adopt dogs into the family,” Fleischmann said. “Every holiday through the month of December, there are discounts on dogs, cats and rabbits, all depending on how old and the weight of them. The goal is to empty out the shelter and get them their home.”

Certain animals have descriptions of their behavior and likes so they can find their perfect owner. The shelter also has different resources on its website to tell you about programs and services that could help someone or their family find the information people need. They encourage you to get involved in helping pets in need, too. 

Meet and greets have been said by Fleischmann to be one of the best ways to bond a pre-existing pet and a potential new family member together. For Greenhill, it’s how they see which animals bond together and if they are the right fit for a family. It helps families find the perfect pet that will suit their family and their needs and wants. 

“It’s tough when someone comes and brings an animal back. This is why we ask questions and [make sure] the person or family is [able to take a new animal]. Like are they moving or going on vacation soon?” Fleischmann said. 

When you first adopt a pet, you want to spend as much time as you can with them. If you’re moving or going on vacation this can be hard because you have to focus on so many other things. This is the Greenhill humane society asks these questions because people have brought back pets from these circumstances.

Greenhill Humane Society uses their best judgment and ability to see if families are ready to bring a pet in. The chance of bringing a pet back happens, but preventing that is one of their main goals. 

Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center is another place where they host adoption parties. The center says that homes with space should consider fostering a pet for the holidays. 

“Typically we see all different pets being adopted, it’s just what they like. No breed is chosen over another,” Fleischmann said. 

The Greenhill Humane Society takes in all different types of breeds of pets year-round, it doesn’t matter the age, trying to help them find a home. 

Shelters central to Oregon are the Oregon Dog Rescue, Pixie Project, and Oregon Humane Society are great places to adopt a pet, as well as volunteer during their adoption events, providing help to these centers during this busy time of year.