BURLINGTON, Ky. — With Christmas just weeks away, many people might think about giving their loved ones the gift of a new furry friend.

In northern Kentucky, there’s a way to get that new pet for free while also helping children in the community who’ve suffered from abuse.

What You Need To Know

  • The Boone County Animal Shelter is partnering with the Family Nurturing Center

  • For people who bring in new toys to donate, adoption fees for dogs and cats will be waived

  • The county animal control officer suggests giving older pets a shot this Christmas

  • The toys will go to children who have suffered from child abuse

For those planning to bring a pet home for Christmas, the first thought that comes to mind may very well be a puppy or kitten sitting under the tree. Adorable? Absolutely.

But Boone County Animal Control Officer Gabrielle Palazio encourages people to consider the benefits that come along with a more mature animal.

“I like to think of our older dogs as our ready-to-go dogs. So there are dogs that might’ve been housebroken already, they already know their basic commands. Some have more manners already than a puppy would. So you don’t have to worry about all the problems you might have with a puppy,” Palazio said.

Plus, the $60 adoption fee for dogs and $45 fee for cats at the Boone County Animal shelter are far cheaper than the prices offered by most breeders. Most people can surely stand to save a few dollars for other holiday shopping. Even those who’d like to add a new member to the family, but don’t have room in the budget for adoption fees, are in luck.

For the second year in a row, the shelter is partnering with a nonprofit to make pet adoption free, and give back to kids in need this Christmas.

“It’s kind of a win-win on both ends, because we get to give back to the community in our way, and then the community can give back and take some of these animals, and give them a good home for the season,” Palazio said.

All one has to do is bring a new, unwrapped toy into the shelter, and the adoption fee for their new best friend will be waived.

The toy will go to the Family Nurturing Center, which helps kids and families who’ve suffered from child abuse, some of whom might otherwise wake up Christmas morning with nothing under their tree.

Pet ownership is an enormous responsibility and shouldn’t be taken lightly, but if it’s something families are already planning, they can put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces (furry or otherwise) this Christmas, by starting in Boone County.

The promotion runs through Dec. 15.

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