As the holidays approach, your children may be clamoring for a new kitten or puppy. Adding an animal to your household is an important decision, so before you act impulsively and bring home Fido or Sparky, consider other options for showing your affection for animals – and help the community too!

Local and national organizations offer the perfect holiday gift idea for the animal lover on your list – "adopting" an animal. Instead of bringing home a furry friend that you have to care for, you can make a symbolic adoption of an animal in need of food, shelter or medical attention. Many "adoptions" include a package with a certificate, picture of your adopted animal, as well as a fact sheet or information about your animal. You can turn your holiday gift into a great family learning experience. "Adopting" gives you the opportunity to teach your kids about animals, wildlife, nature and the environment as well as charity and giving during the holiday season.

Here are some places where you can "adopt", sponsor or donate to animals in need:

LOCALLY:

Seneca Park Zoo:
ZooParent Adoption: Adopt your kid's school mascot or an otter for the swimmer in the family – the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. For as little as $30, you can become a ZooParent. For each ZooParent adoption, you will receive a ZooParent package that includes a photograph of your adopted animal, a fact sheet, adoption certificate and an invitation to Seneca Park Zoo's annual ZooParent party.  In addition, your name will be displayed on the ZooParent board at the Zoo for one full year.  Visit Seneca Park Zoo Online to see the current list of animals available for adoption at www.senecaparkzoo.org.  Sponsored by PetTales.

Genesee Country Nature Center:
Help native birds rebound from natural and man-made environmental problems through the nature center's Adopt-a-Nest program. To date, some 500 birds have been born in more than 200 nest boxes managed by the museum's nature center and a core of dedicated volunteers. It's clearly a big job to maintain all of this avian housing, and the Adopt-A-Nest Program allows you to make contribution, starting at just $10. Learn more at www.gvc.org

You can enrich the lives of animals awaiting new homes by donating money, toys, beds, food and more.

Lollypop Farm: Lollypop farm offers many different ways for you to donate to their animals. They accept monetary donations, as well as have an extensive wish list for items that will help their current animals be more happy,   comfortable and healthy. Visit their wish list online at www.lollypop.org

Pet Adoption Network: Help control cat overpopulation by sponsoring a cat to be spayed or neutered. Spay $90, Neuter $60, Litter of Kittens $150 Learn more at www.petadoptionnetwork.org

Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue: Chance's fund was established to make it possible for rescue dogs to receive the medical care they need to survive and thrive. Learn more at www.buffalopugs.org

BrightStar German Shepard Rescue: You can be a guardian angel for a dog who is waiting for a home or is currently in a foster home. The Guardian Angel Coordinator and the dog's foster family will keep you updated on your German Shepherd Dog with a letter and pictures. In addition, you will receive a certificate with a picture of your German Shepherd Dog. Sponsorship levels ranging from $10 - $500+ Learn more at www.brightstargsd.org

NATIONALLY:

Heifer International: Somewhere in a forgotten corner of the United States or 50 other countries around the world, a family struggling with hunger or poverty could help sustain itself if it had livestock. For over 60 years, Heifer International has provided farm animals and training to poor families with marginal resources. An adopted animal can provide wool, milk, transportation or eggs to families in need. You can donate a whole animal, or buy a share of an animale for a fraction of the cost. For more information visit www.heifer.org

Manatees Make Splashy Holiday Gifts: A unique gift that also says you care in a huge way about the world around you is a manatee adoption from Save the Manatee Club.  A $25 gift adoption includes a photo and life history of a real Florida manatee, a Certificate of Adoption, plus a fact-filled membership handbook, and free shipping.  Four printed newsletters and six e-newsletters are sent throughout the year.  Or for $35, new members who adopt will also receive a 24" x 12" full-color 2008 wall calendar featuring gorgeous manatee photos (while supplies last). For more information, visit www.savethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646).

World Wildlife Foundation: The World Wildlife Foundationg offers over 80 kinds of animals for adoption including giraffes, humpback whales, eagles, penguins, polar bears, meercats, pandas and more. Each adoption is symbolic and your donation will be used to fight threats like habitat loss and poaching faced by critically endangered species and to support WWF's worldwide conservation efforts. Adoption options range from $50 to $250. Learn more at www.worldwildlife.org