Holiday adoption event ‘Operation Silent Night’ returns to Richmond Animal League

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Animal League (RAL) announced the start of Operation Silent Night 2025 on Friday -- an adoption event that aims to put every pet in a home for the holidays.

The event begins on Friday, Nov. 28 and lasts until Sunday, Dec. 21, with RAL offering $10 adoption fees as well as extended hours to help people find the furry friend that's right for them.

According to a RAL release, the organization increases the amount of pets it transfers from animal control and rescue partners across Virginia during Operation Silent Night to help save the lives of as many pets as possible.

Through this transfer process, the burden on shelter partners is eased and it creates better chances for pets to be adopted, which continues until the last days of the event. Therefore, those involved are not just helping the pets individually, but opening up slots at shelters throughout the state.

“Our mission during Operation Silent Night is twofold,” said Larry Eason, Executive Director at RAL. “We want every pet in our shelter to be in a home for the holidays, and we want to help our partners across Virginia do the same. Each adoption impacts two pets - the adopted pet and the cat or dog who gets a new chance at life by coming to RAL.”

The pets that do not get adopted will go to short-term foster homes for the holidays.

More information about the event can be found by clicking here.