Yes, Shelters and Their Pets Celebrate Thanksgiving, Too
Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in gratitude, connection, and shared meals—but for pets awaiting adoption in shelters, the warmth of the season comes from dedicated staff, compassionate volunteers, and supportive communities. Across the country, animal welfare organizations are transforming kennels into places of celebration, turning ordinary days into moments of joy, comfort, and hope. Here’s how four shelters bring the spirit of Thanksgiving to life—and how you can be part of it.
Powhatan Animal Control (Powhatan, Virginia)
At this rural shelter—run by just five devoted employees—Thanksgiving is a full-scale, heartwarming event. Weeks before the holiday, staff launch a community-driven donation drive via social media, asking for canned vegetables (like carrots and green beans), high-quality canned pet food, fresh fruit, and other safe, nutritious items.
When donations arrive, the team transforms the shelter common area into an elegant dining space: long tables draped with tablecloths, personalized place settings, and carefully portioned meals for every dog and cat. “It really makes us feel like they’re in a family,” says Gracie Holt, a shelter employee.
One unforgettable guest was Maleficent, a gentle Great Dane who charmed everyone with her tiny-dog confidence. Her joyful participation in the feast helped raise awareness—and critical funds—for her needed medical care. “People remembered her photos and were excited to help her out,” Holt shares.
The shelter also invites volunteers to step in during the holidays, especially since many staff and regular helpers travel. “A lot of people go out of town, and we need dog walkers and people to spend time with the animals,” Holt explains. If your local shelter is open on Thanksgiving, consider taking a pup for a walk—it’s a simple act that brings big comfort.
Central Missouri Humane Society (Columbia, Missouri)
In 2024, this organization found loving homes for over 2,000 animals—including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and even lizards. Each Thanksgiving, they host two signature programs: Barksgiving, which places dogs in short-term foster homes for the holiday weekend, and a partnership with a local pet store that supplies nutritious meals for all animals still in shelter care.
“The first year we did it, we got every dog out of the shelter except for one. It’s a big hit each Thanksgiving!” says Operations Manager Stephanie Lanham. Many foster families fall in love and adopt their holiday companion—others become long-term foster homes, expanding the shelter’s capacity year-round.
“Fostering over the holidays is a great opportunity to give a dog a place to call home—and help the shelter learn how each dog thrives outside the kennel,” Lanham explains. “It also gives staff and volunteers precious time with their own families.”
Can’t foster? No problem. Sharing an adoptable pet’s story online, donating cleaning supplies or laundry detergent, or contributing financially all make a real difference. Every action helps move animals closer to their forever homes.
Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County (Tacoma, Washington)
Thanks to generous volunteers and community support, this shelter hosted a full Thanksgiving dinner for every dog and cat in its care in 2024. The menu included lean turkey, steamed green beans, pure pumpkin, and even “pup cups” (frozen yogurt treats) for dessert. Volunteers served each animal individually—turning mealtime into a moment of quiet dignity and connection.
“It was truly a special experience—for the pets and for all of us,” says Lauren Green, Director of Marketing and Communications. Their community’s year-round generosity shines brightest during the holidays, drawing new supporters to their mission and amplifying their reach globally through social media.
Green notes that holiday adoptions carry extra emotional weight. “Every adoption here is special—but around the holiday season, it feels even more meaningful when pets find their happily-ever-afters with a family of their own.” Reunions with lost pets also spike during this time, adding layers of joy to the season.
Volunteering goes beyond walking dogs or cleaning cages. Writers can craft compelling adoption bios. Videographers can create scroll-stopping videos of shelter pets. And donors can support the Pet Food and Supply Pantry—providing food, spay/neuter vouchers, and vaccine clinic access. “The magic of the holidays truly isn’t possible without the generosity of the community,” Green says.
Richmond Animal Care & Control (Richmond, Virginia)
“No one should spend Thanksgiving alone,” says Christie Chipps-Peters, Director of Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC). To honor that belief, RACC sends dogs and cats to loving foster homes for the holiday—and 70% of those pets end up adopted by their temporary families.
“Everyone loves the concept, and we value our ‘foster fails,’” Chipps-Peters says with a smile, highlighting the heartfelt joy that comes from matching a pet with a home—even if just for a few days. During their most active year yet, RACC placed 94 pets in holiday foster care—and the tradition continues to grow.
The holidays offer a perfect low-pressure trial run for prospective pet parents. “If you’re thinking about bringing a pet into your life, this is a wonderful way to see how it fits,” Chipps-Peters notes. “And if you’re able to allow a shelter pet to spend the holiday in a home instead of a kennel, it’s just the best!”
How to Get Involved
Whether or not your local shelter hosts formal Thanksgiving events, this season offers powerful opportunities to make a lasting impact.
Fostering
- Provides pets with warmth, quiet, and companionship—away from the stress of kennel life.
- Helps staff observe natural behaviors, energy levels, and compatibility with children or other pets.
- Often leads to adoption—or establishes trusted foster relationships that support future placements.
Volunteering
- Shelters often need extra hands during holidays—especially for dog walking, enrichment play, or helping with events like Thanksgiving dinners.
- Virtual volunteering counts too: writing adoption profiles, designing social media posts, or filming short videos for FurPetVo’s platform at furpetvo.com.
- Even sharing a post about an adoptable pet on social media can connect them with their perfect match.
From festive meals to cozy foster homes, Thanksgiving reminds us that compassion has no off-season. With every act of kindness—big or small—you help turn “waiting” into “belonging.” Visit furpetvo.com to explore volunteer opportunities, foster applications, and ways to support shelters nationwide.
