Nanaimo and District SPCA is hoping the holidays and beyond will be merry for some homeless animals.
The shelter is hosting its second annual I’ll Be Home for Christmas campaign beginning Friday (Nov. 25) until Dec. 24 with a goal to adopt 150 animals.
More than 100 animals wee adopted in last year’s inaugural campaign.
Leon Davis, shelter manager, said there has been a significant increase in animals being dropped off and staff is hoping to raise as much money as possible for those animals not adopted during the campaign.
Fundraising opportunities includes pet photos with Santa Claus Dec. 4 from noon to 2 p.m. at Bosleys Pet Food Plus at 6894 Island Hwy., in Dickinson Crossing.
Country Club Centre is also holding photo sessions for pets and Santa Dec. 5-6 from 5-7:30 p.m. with proceeds going to the SPCA.
The public can view adoptable cats and kittens at Bosleys at Dickinson Crossing, Pine Tree Square and University Village.
Adoptions require a completed application and an interview with an SPCA representative.
“It is of paramount importance to us that we ensure that pets are not adopted to be given as gifts, but only with the intention to provide them with suitable and loving forever homes,” said Davis. “It has to be a family decision and we like to meet the entire family.
“We don’t want it to be a surprise that is cute on Christmas Day and then reality sets in. Adopting a pet requires dedication and responsibility.”
Nanaimo and District SPCA is at 2200 Labieux Rd. For more information, please call 250-758-8444.