DEARBORN, Mich. – Time is running out: Christmas Eve is now less than ten days away.

If you’re planning to surprise the family with something new for the holidays, a local shelter can help.

Through December 22, 2024, if you adopt a dog or cat from Animal Friends of Metro Detroit, they’ll make sure your new family member is home for the holidays.

“They’re going to be our magical elves,” said Corey Keller of Friends of Animals of Metro Detroit.

In pairs of two, staff members at this Dearborn shelter will transform into elves to make Christmas morning unforgettable.

“On Christmas Eve, we’re going to deliver your pet to your home as a surprise or a gift for kids, loved ones, something like that,” Keller said.

The Home for the Holidays program hopes to spur more adoptions at a time when many shelters are overwhelmed with animals in need of forever homes.

“Shelters across the country, including our own, are overrun with cats and dogs, so it’s more important than ever to shine a light on this, that we still have incredible animals looking for wonderful homes and pets who have been with us for a long time,” Keller said.

If you decide to adopt, you’ll need to provide contact information and a shipping address, as well as sign a photo release so the shelter can spread holiday cheer online.

“Come in, see if the cat or dog is a good fit, the staff is there to help and support you and discuss any questions or concerns you have,” Keller said.

For those who want to participate, the extra delivery service comes with a small donation to ensure your new four-legged family member is home in time for the holidays.

“We really hope to see an increase in adoptions this holiday season so we can find long-term homes for the animals,” Keller said.

The delivery radius is 35 miles. You can also purchase gift certificates for those who want to give a pet but aren’t sure who their loved one would like to adopt.