PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – The Pittsylvania Pet Center was busy Friday, as people like Keith Crews came in to take advantage of the center offering pets for free on Friday.
"We saw (the offer) on the internet, so we were like, 'Oh, let's run by and see the animals today,'" Crews said.
"My daughter, she's an animal lover. She's been wanting an animal for so long."
While the animals were free, anyone wanting to adopt still had to fill out an adoption form to make sure they were a good fit for the pet.
The center's volunteers said in the past, five to 10 pets have gotten adopted during these events compared to two or three on a normal day.
"When we're over-flooded with animals, we try to have a lot of specials going on," one volunteer said.
If you're considering adding a furry friend to your family this holiday season and already have a pet, the center recommends bringing your pet to meet the new one you want to adopt.
If you can't or don't want to bring your pet in, the center recommends the Home for the Holidays foster program.
"You can take a dog home for the holidays. Get them out for a little bit," the volunteer explained.
Alex Shelankey and his family were looking to adopt a dog Friday.
"They're really friendly. I already have a cat and I have another dog. (I'm) trying to get another one to pair him with," Shelankey said.
He didn't know that pets were free Friday, but said he's glad to see the center making the offer.
"It's really nice. You know it's not just for profit at that point, they're trying to actually get the dogs into homes that'll be able to take care of them and love them. It's a good thing for the community," Shelankey said.