The holiday season invites joy, generosity, and togetherness. It is also a time when our daily routines shift—and for our pets, those changes matter. At Broward County Animal Care, the County’s official pet adoption and animal welfare agency, we see how informed decisions and community involvement can protect pets, strengthen families, and save lives. As we celebrate, this is an important moment to reflect on how we care for the animals who depend on us.

One of the most common holiday risks for dogs begins at the table. Many traditional foods can be dangerous, even in small amounts. Sugary desserts, chocolate, foods containing xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and rich or fatty dishes can cause serious illness in dogs, including pancreatitis, poisoning, or organ damage. While it may feel harmless to share a holiday “treat,” the safest choice is to keep pets on their regular diet and away from guests’ plates. Including pets in the holidays doesn’t require giving them table food. Extra walks, playtime, and calm spaces during gatherings go much further in supporting their wellbeing.

The season of giving also presents a meaningful opportunity to serve. Volunteering at Broward County Animal Care is a direct way to support animals in need, particularly during the holidays when shelters often experience higher intake and fewer available hands. Volunteers help with dog walking, enrichment, fostering, events, and operational support. Beyond the immediate impact on animals, volunteering builds connection, purpose, and a shared sense of responsibility within our community. For individuals and families alike, it is a powerful way to give back locally.

Adoption is another way many people consider helping during the holidays, and it is a decision that deserves thoughtful planning. Bringing a dog into your home is a long-term commitment, not a seasonal gesture. Prospective adopters should consider their work schedules, financial readiness, housing rules, travel plans, and the time required for training, exercise, and veterinary care. When adoption aligns with a household’s lifestyle and resources, it can be deeply rewarding. When rushed, it can be challenging for both the family and the animal. Our team is committed to helping residents make informed adoption choices that lead to lasting, successful placements.

Looking ahead to the coming year, Broward County Animal Care is focused on expanding access, education, and community-based services. Residents can expect more pet wellness clinics, vaccination and microchipping events, spay-and-neuter initiatives, and neighborhood outreach to keep pets healthy and families together. Education and prevention remain central to our work because informed pet owners are essential partners in animal welfare.

This holiday season, we invite the community to stay informed, get involved, and learn more about how small, thoughtful actions can make a meaningful difference. Whether through responsible pet care, volunteering, or adoption when the time is right, each step strengthens our collective commitment to animals—and to one another.

More information is available at Broward.org/Animal.

Zachary Rinkins is the public information officer at Broward County Animal Care.