The Stratford Animal Shelter held its annual Holiday Evergreen Fundraiser on Sunday.

Attendees purchased toys, blankets and bowls along with wreaths and holiday decorations. Most of the items for pets were donated.

All proceeds benefit the shelter and animals impounded.

The shelter currently has more dogs than cats available for adoption – many of them rescued.

Before people consider adopting, animals advocates want to remind people that a pet is more than a present.

"This will be a member of your family. So, it's not really a Christmas present. You should plan on having an animal for many years to come, ideally. We want to make sure that they're going into a home that's the best fit for them, we always consider that," says Karen Tracey, president of the Stratford Animal Rescue Society.