A Season of Compassion: How to Support Rescue Animals During the Holidays
A glimpse into the everyday compassion happening inside rescues, from medical care to fostering to the simple comfort of a gentle touch. These moments inspire our mission: comfort for you, compassion for them.
The holiday months are meant to feel cozy and bright, but for animal rescue organizations, November through January is often the most demanding time of the year. As intakes rise and resources stretch thin, small acts of compassion from communities and conscious brands like Haevën make a meaningful difference.
Here’s a closer look at why rescues struggle this time of year and how you can help create comfort for the animals who need it most.
Why Rescues Struggle During the Holiday Months
Across North America, animal rescues face a series of seasonal pressures. Together, they create a difficult and often unseen reality during the winter months.
1. Higher Intake Numbers
Shelters experience more surrenders, lost pets, and abandoned animals during holiday travel, harsh weather, and family transitions.
According to the ASPCA, roughly 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters each year, with winter months showing increased stray intakes due to storms and schedule disruptions.
2. Lower Volunteer Availability
Many regular volunteers travel or have reduced availability in December. Student volunteers leave for winter break, and everyday operations become harder to sustain with fewer hands.
3. Reduced Donations When Costs Rise
Giving often shifts toward human-focused charities in December, leaving rescues with fewer financial resources, just as vet bills, heating costs, and emergency intakes spike.
The Humane Society notes that veterinary care remains the largest and most unpredictable expense for many shelters.
4. Increased Medical Needs
Cold weather brings frostbite, respiratory infections, and higher injury rates among stray and abandoned animals. Medical care becomes both urgent and expensive, stretching operational budgets even further.
How Emotional and Financial Support Helps
Your support, even the smallest gesture, offers stability and hope to rescue organizations doing lifesaving work.
Emotional Support Makes a Real Difference
• Sharing adoptable animals increases visibility.
• Leaving warm, encouraging comments boosts morale for rescue teams.
• Sending treats or thank-you notes to foster families reminds them they’re valued.
Financial Support Keeps Rescues Running
Even modest contributions help cover essential care:
• $10 can feed a dog for a week
• $25 can cover vaccines
• $50–$100 helps with urgent medical care
• $150–$250 can fund a spay/neuter surgery
Simple Ways Haeven Customers Can Support Rescue Partners This Season
1. Donate Supplies
Common needs include food, blankets, puppy pads, cleaning supplies, leashes, and enrichment toys.
2. Share Adoptable Animals
A single share can help an animal find a forever home.
3. Foster Over the Holidays
Short-term fostering frees up space, reduces stress, and helps animals prepare for adoption.
4. Contribute to Vet Bills
Even $10–$20 helps rescues manage urgent medical expenses.
5. Choose Gifts That Give Back
Purchasing XOLO collars, rescue‑inspired accessories, or Haeven’s sustainable loungewear helps fund food, medical care, and emergency support.
6. Send Encouragement to Rescue Teams
A message or small treat can lift the spirits of exhausted foster families and volunteers.
The Heart of the Season: Compassion in Action
Supporting rescue animals during the holidays doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Every act, sharing an adoption post, fostering for a few days, donating supplies, or choosing gifts that give back, creates meaningful change.
When you shop with Haeven, you’re part of that impact.
Comfort for you. Compassion for them.
Anything is pawsible.
Sources & Further Reading
Parsons Animal Rescue Foundation