Cuteness takes over Neiman Marcus during pet adoption event

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Window shopping always gets a little sweeter around this time of year.

The Houston SPCA and Neiman Marcus Galleria are celebrating their 26th year of saving lives in their Holiday Windows of Life display at the Houston Galleria.

Adoptable kittens, puppies, puppies and small dogs will play behind the windows through December 23rd on the first floor of Neiman Marcus Galleria, 2600 Post Oak, Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

SPCA staff members said in 2013, about 150 pets were adopted out. They are hoping even more will be adopted this year.

All pets are already spayed or neutered, and adoptions include a health evaluation, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccinations for animals three months and older, deworming, heartworm testing for dogs 6-months and older and micro-chipping with free lifetime registration. Adoptions also include a complimentary overall wellness examination by VCA Animal Hospitals.

Remember, while it's sweet to get a pet as a gift this holiday season, SPCA officials say it is a big responsibility and that it is better not to surprise someone with a pet you have already picked out.

"If you're thinking about getting somebody a cat or dog as a gift, we recommend that you bring them with you because they're the ones who need to love this animal," said Tara Yurkshat, the Vice-President of Animal Welfare at Houston SPCA. "They're the ones who need to bond with this animal, so if it's a surprise, make the surprise coming down to the mall, not the surprise coming into your home."

Depending on the animal, adoption fees start at $65 and go up to $195.