Adopt, don't shop this Christmas during Toronto Animal Services' 12 Strays of Christmas adoption campaign

The City of Toronto's 12 Strays of Christmas animal adoption event begins on December 12 and runs until Tuesday, December 23. The yearly event features rabbits, cats, dogs and small mammals available for adoption at the City's animal shelters.This year's focus is rabbits, available for $10 instead of the usual $40 adoption fee. People often purchase rabbits without realizing that socialization, stimulation and exercise are required. Like cats and dogs, all rabbits adopted from city shelters are spayed or neutered, making them calmer and better pets.Rabbits can be litter trained, taught to jump over obstacles and are a long-time commitment as they live approximately 10 years.All animals up for adoption at City shelters are also vaccinated, micro-chipped, vet checked and de-wormed.For residents unable to adopt a pet but wanting to contribute to Toronto Animal Services, donations can be made at http://www.toronto.ca/helptheanimals or in person at any of the shelters.Donations directly benefit the animals through programs such as spay/neuter, extended veterinary care, shelter enhancements or pet adoption, socialization and enrichment programs.Torontonians are also encouraged drop off a holiday gift for the animals, as the shelters are always in need of blankets and towels (new or used), cat treats, dog cookies, canned cat and dog food, leashes, collars and halti-leads, toys and hot water bottles.Pets are available for adoption at the following animal shelters, which are open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.:• 1300 Sheppard Avenue West (Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West)• 821 Progress Ave. (Highway 401 and Markham Road)• 146 The East Mall (The East Mall and The Queensway)Toronto Animal Services also partners with a number of retailers in Toronto to adopt out pets.For a list of partners and locations, go to http://www.toronto.ca/animalservices and click on Adopt a Pet.