Chewy Covers Pet Adoption Fees This December

Households adopting from participating shelters Dec. 11-17 will have adoption fees covered as part of the Chewy Claus campaign.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Pets — General

Photograph of an empty shelter corridor with plain metal kennel doors and a soft dog bed on the floor under warm light. — Chewy will cover pet adoption fees at participating shelters Dec. 11-17, funded through its Chewy Claus holiday letter campaign. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you consider adopting a pet from a shelter?

Chewy has relaunched its Chewy Claus holiday letter-writing campaign, which funds free pet adoptions at participating shelters across the country. Letters can be submitted Nov. 2 through Dec. 24, and Chewy will cover adoption fees at hundreds of participating shelters Dec. 11-17.

Why it matters

For households thinking about adding a pet this winter, the campaign lowers the cost of adoption during a specific window, with fees covered by Chewy at participating shelters. It also highlights a broader shelter strain: nearly 7.5 million cats and dogs are projected to enter shelters in 2026.

Chewy will cover adoption fees at hundreds of participating shelters Dec. 11-17, with letters accepted Nov. 2 through Dec. 24. Chewy donates $5 to Greater Good Charities for each Holiday Shop purchase, up to a $10 million cap.

The players

Chewy

Online pet retailer known for its pet food, supplies and subscription delivery, which runs the Chewy Claus holiday campaign.

Greater Good Charities

Charitable organization partnering with Chewy Claus to distribute food and supplies and support shelter adoptions.

The details

Consumers submit letters to Chewy Claus, and each letter helps fund a free pet adoption. Chewy also donates $5 in food and supplies to Greater Good Charities for every purchase from its Holiday Shop, with the donation capped at $10 million. The campaign is in its fourth year and is partnering with Greater Good Charities, and it includes the first national TV spot for Chewy Claus.

Letters can be submitted Nov. 2 through Dec. 24.
Chewy covers adoption fees at participating shelters Dec. 11-17.

The Home Front

With nearly 7.5 million cats and dogs projected to enter shelters in 2026, corporate-funded adoption drives are becoming a visible response to shelter crowding. The campaign's focus on long-stay animals, such as a dog that has waited 578 days, shows how adoption costs and wait times shape the housing and household decisions around bringing a pet home.

If you are considering adopting, check whether a shelter near you is participating in the Dec. 11-17 fee coverage before your visit. Budget for the ongoing costs of a new pet, such as food, supplies and vet care, since adoption fees are only one part of the expense.

The takeaway

Shelter adoptions are often a lower-cost way to bring a pet home, but the ongoing expense of food, supplies and veterinary care should be planned for before committing. Check with a local shelter to confirm whether it is among the participating Chewy Claus locations.