Adopting a pet this holiday season

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — As the holidays are just around the corner, some families may be looking to add a new pet to their wish lists, but adopting a pet is a big decision any time of year. 

Rob Hardy with Castaway Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) says a pet can make a good present, but you should be prepared and carefully consider the decision. 

“Around the holidays, it is maybe a little bit impulsive to want to adopt a kitten, a puppy, a dog or a cat, but that is a lifelong commitment,” Hardy said. “So just be prepared for everything that goes along with a pet adoption.”  

Hardy says when you adopt a pet, you are also taking on vet bills, food bills, and the responsibility to take care of that pet every day.  

Alisa Parker is about to take on that responsibility herself. She is giving Yoda, a 4-month-old kitten, his forever home. 

“I was looking for a cat and a young one, and we just thought we'd look at a few of the animals here,” Parker said. “They have so many to choose from. Good, good cats that need homes.”  

Right now it is easier than ever to adopt with C.A.R.E. during their Homes for the Holidays event, which runs until the end of the year.  

“We have no adoption fee for any of the animals at our adoption center,” Hardy said. “We do still have some kittens and puppies that we will be adopting out that aren't at the adoption center, but we can still facilitate those adoptions. But yeah, everything at the adoption center right now is going to be a waived adoption fee.” 

C.A.R.E. is currently open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Homes for the Holidays, but these extra hours mean they are also in need of volunteers.  

If you are interested in getting involved in volunteering or adopting a pet, you can stop by their location on West Sunshine Street or visit their website.