As the holiday season approaches, there are some animals still looking to find their “purrfect” home.

The Sachse Animal Shelter is currently at full capacity, which means there is no room for any new animals, said Animal Control Officer Brenda Smith. To help place animals in new homes, the shelter is offering free adoptions for adult animals.

All adopted animals come spayed or neutered and with up-to-date vaccinations.

“Full shelters increase the stress on the pets in our care,” Smith said. “Pets are like people and they are competitive for the time and attention of those caring for them so there’s more ‘hey look at me’ barking, etc. More dogs in the dog room cuts down on each dog’s play time in the yard.”

She added that a full shelter also means residents have to be made regarding animal surrenders. Animal control officers will also have discussions with a family about looking for other solutions, such as training, fostering, rescues or other family members capable of caring for a pet.

Smith said shelters will frequently see an increase in their capacity around the holidays as individuals look to adopt a cute puppy or kitten.

“Shelters are often at capacity this time of year because adopters are looking for the cute and little,” Smith said. “The perfect storm brews for shelters when adoptions of larger or adult pets slows down and intakes go up. This time of year we see increases in strays, and sadly, owner surrenders.”

The number of increased strays is because of the potential for doors or gates to remain open and a pet wanders away, said Smith. 

Additionally, owner surrenders can happen when a puppy or kitten begins to grow into an adult and was not spayed or neutered which means more puppies and kittens around. Other causes for surrenders include a lack of training or even a family move where the home may not be pet-friendly or conducive to a family’s conditions, she added.

To help make sure pets are ready for adoption and a new home, the shelter cares for animals under its roof and provides up-to-date vaccinations and a spay or neuter treatment.

“Many things can happen that cause intakes to go up and so we try to educate and counsel as much as we can, as opportunities arise, but the main focus has to be on taking care of the pets in our shelter and trying to find them loving new homes,” Smith said. “We make sure they get vaccinated and spayed and neutered, we, and our wonderful volunteers, spend quality time with them to get them ready for what we hope is ‘furever.’”

For residents looking to adopt, they should be mindful of their lifestyle and that of their pets, said Smith. 

“Pets should be considered family and like all families there are good times and challenges and you just love them through both,” Smith said.

They can also consider an investment in training, if a pet is allowed at their apartment and the potential fitness needs of their pet.

“It is not unusual for people to want to adopt kittens and puppies as Christmas presents. We understand that because, after all, what’s cuter than a baby animal?” Smith said. “With any luck all kittens and puppies grow up to be adult versions of themselves and the love from their families needs to continue “furever.’” 

For residents looking to help but unsure if they can commit to a full-time adoption, they can reach out to the shelter to foster a dog in their home.

To contact the animal shelter, call 972-675-9662. Animals from the Sachse Animal Shelter can be viewed online at Petfinder.com  and RescueMe.org.