by Ulises Cabrera on 2025-12-24

The holiday season is now in full swing, and I want to take a moment to celebrate the pets who bring so much joy into our lives and perhaps inspire a few of you to welcome a new furry family member into a loving household. The holidays can be a wonderful time to adopt, and our Moreno Valley Animal Shelter has many pets waiting to find a forever home. 

 

If you are thinking about adopting, please remember that bringing home a pet is a long-term, full-time commitment. It should never be a spur-of-the-moment decision or taken lightly. Make sure that your household, and all of its family members, are fully prepared, willing, and able to provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for many years to come. 

 

For those who already share their home with pets, let’s keep them extra safe as we dive into our holiday celebrations and festivities. Decorations, special foods, and busy gatherings can be overwhelming or even dangerous. Keep tinsel, ornaments, and other tempting items out of reach, and remember that treats like chocolate can be harmful to pets. 

 

If you are hosting a party, create a quiet, cozy spot where your pets can relax when activities increase, new sounds, smells, and faces arise, and things get busier than usual. Keep a sharp eye on doors to prevent accidental escapes, and make sure your pet’s ID tag is up to date. As a reminder, the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter is offering free microchips throughout December for MoVal residents. It is a simple step that can make a world of difference if a pet gets lost. 

 

Thank you, Moreno Valley, for helping us make every season a season of compassion and kindness.