Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center has the answer for those with a new pet on their Christmas list.

The shelter will be hosting a Christmas open house at its facility located at 169 Paws Trail on Dec.16 from noon to 3 p.m. and invites everyone out for the event. This event, like many others the shelter hosts, is geared towards forging connections with the community along with giving visitors information about what the shelter does and how individuals can help.

“We love being able to open the shelter to everyone and give them a look at what we do,” said Animal Control Director Sherri Bradley. “It is one thing to hear about what we do; it is another to see it first-hand. We want a good relationship with the community and are always looking for ways to do outreach and showcase the result of all of our efforts.”

Bradley indicated the shelter is in dire need of volunteers and foster homes to help alleviate some of the stresses of the dogs in its care. Those interested in helping with those ventures are encouraged to attend the open house to meet with Bradley and her staff and learn more about the programs.

Saturday’s event will feature a silent auction, refreshments in the form of food and drinks and even a photo op with Santa Paws himself for both two- and four-legged visitors. The dogs and cats of the shelter will be available for adoption during this time and, as always, visitors are welcome to visit with the animals.

“We’re running an adoption special this month because we really want these dogs to find homes in time for Christmas,” Bradley explained. “All dogs are adopted out with their spay or neuter surgery done or scheduled to be done and their rabies vaccine on board. You can’t put a price on a new best friend, but our adoption special of $25 is pretty cheap.”