Charleston Animal Society offered a special “Home for the Holidays” adoption program, partnering with Hendrick Charleston for its 12th year to deliver adopted pets to families’ doorsteps on Christmas Eve or Day via volunteer “elves.” Free adoptions were available for dogs and cats one year and older at their Charleston and Berkeley campuses, with December 23 as the final day to complete the process for holiday delivery.​​
Program Details
Families visited the shelter to meet pets and finalize adoptions by Dec. 23, with deliveries limited to select animals matched by counselors. The initiative addressed full kennels, emphasizing lifesaving over holiday novelty, as noted by CEO Joe Elmore.​
Key Quotes
Community relations director Donald Smith highlighted the emotional impact: “Seeing the surprise, the tears, and the instant bond when a pet arrives on Christmas morning never gets old.” Thousands of pets have found homes through this effort, blending holiday magic with shelter relief.​
