Santa paws: Holiday pet adoptions surge

They're the gifts that keep on giving, but only if you're ready to commit to them for at least 10 years.

The Eastside Shelter on Friday hosted a pet adoption event where owners could bring their pets to be photographed with Santa Claus as animal counselors on site helped to connect visitors with their perfect pet match. Adoption fees were waived.

Children watched in awe as animals, primarily dogs, sat beside Santa, adorned in Christmas gear, including antlers and clothing designed to make canines look like presents tucked beneath the Christmas tree. 

The main purpose of the event was to honor the four-legged members of people's families, but it also served as a means of ensuring that, as adoptions increase during the holidays, households seeking to complete their families with a furry friend find the right match. 

"It's been pretty busy," said Carolyn Ortega, director of Animal Welfare for the city of Albuquerque. "Over the last couple of weeks, I've seen our outtakes outpace our intakes, which is always wonderful to see. But the warning we would give is, don't give a pet as a gift."

Pets are one of the first things children will ask for as a Christmas present, Ortega said, but as exciting as it can be to bend to their wishes, there is a more responsible way to introduce a pet into a household. 

"Give them a stuffed animal dog and then bring them in after the holidays as a family and take a walk and let them fall in love with the pet they want," she said. "We want to see a family bring a dog into a bonding room and fall in love with each other. That's what the holidays are all about, right?" 

Euthanasia rates and intake rates — the number of animals being surrendered or brought to the shelters — are also low, Ortega said. In 2025, over 15,540 animals were brought to the shelter, nearly 1,000 less than the previous year. Adoption rates are also up, meaning there is no pressure to go to the shelters to immediately adopt an animal in fear of an animal being put down.

She said it is better to wait until the time is right rather than adopting an animal in a hurry, only to return it to the shelter shortly after.

"Give yourself time to pick the perfect one," she said. "If you don't find the perfect fit when you come in, it's OK. There's no pressure to take an animal that day."

As with people, every dog at the shelter has a unique personality and history, Ortega said, and it's best to ensure that the animal a person adopts fits with their lifestyle. 

While the shelters encouraged families to make thoughtful decisions about adopting during the holidays, they still urged people to come in and see all the furry friends who are ready to find their forever home. 

"They need a home, they deserve a home," Ortega said. "The love you get from a shelter pet is different. They're so wonderful, loyal and grateful and the best gift they can have is a home, especially during the holidays."

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.