PORT JERVIS, NY — The Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark are encouraging animal lovers to adopt a pet this holiday season by offering special prices on cats and dogs.

Every year, the shelter hosts “Home for the Holidays,” an adoption campaign that reduces the adoption fee for animals that have been sheltered six or more months.

“No one, pets included, should spend the holiday alone,” said Katrina Rolson, shelter manager. “That’s why we’re cutting the adoption rate in half. What better gift can any of us give during the holiday season than to give a home to an orphaned pet?”

The campaign began November 1 and will end on Thursday, January 2, 2014. Rolson says that many animals have been adopted already.

“Paws for a Holiday Cause” is another winter fundraiser sponsored by the staff and volunteers at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark. Shelter representatives are collecting new, unwrapped toys that will be delivered to hospitalized children at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cornwall, NY. Children will also be given the opportunity to get their picture taken with the Humane Society’s mascot. Drop boxes can be found at the Humane Society Office and Ray’s Corner Café on Pike Street.

All toys collected by Friday, December 20 will be delivered to the hospital the following Sunday. Those interested in having a drop box at their place of business are asked to call the shelter to make arrangements.

For more information on either holiday program, call 845/856-3677 or visit www.pjhumane.org.