The Texas Surf Museum will host a dog adoption drive and Surfing Santa photo event on December 13, 2025, from noon to 5 p.m. to benefit the Galveston Island Humane Society. This initiative is crucial, as animal shelters often face significant fundraising challenges, struggling with insufficient funding due to high intake levels and budgetary constraints that can lead to operational strains.

The event, staged at the museum in the Strand District at 2110 Mechanic St., pairs holiday activities with an opportunity to adopt local shelter dogs and supports the humane society’s outreach during the season. Museum leaders said they will offer free admission for the day to encourage community attendance, which is essential for raising awareness and support for the shelter’s needs.

Visitors can get photos with Surfing Santa from 1-3 p.m., and the afternoon will include holiday treats, warm drinks, raffles, and a family-friendly surf-themed Santa experience. The museum, which highlights and preserves Texas’s nearly 100-year surfing history, will host adoptable dogs from the Galveston Island Humane Society and present them to potential adopters in a public setting. Research has found that a portion of adopted pets are returned to shelters, often due to behavioral or compatibility issues, underscoring the importance of connecting families with the right pets.

“We’re offering free admission to the museum that day. Bring friends and family, and maybe take a furry friend home with you,” said Kelly Daugherty, executive board president of the Texas Surf Museum.

Kristen Thompson, executive director of the Galveston Island Humane Society, framed the drive as part of the shelter’s holiday outreach. “No one wants to be home alone for the holidays. And that includes the pets in our shelters. We welcome everyone to share in the Christmas spirit,” she said. Alongside adoption efforts, the organization encourages individuals and businesses to support shelters by donating supplies, volunteering, or fostering animals, which can make a significant difference in their operations.

Organizers say the format is designed to make adoption accessible: attendees can meet adoptable dogs while enjoying seasonal refreshments and a surf-themed backdrop intended to draw families. The museum’s downtown location on Mechanic Street situates the event within Galveston’s tourist and shopping corridor, a setting organizers hope will increase visibility for the humane society’s animals. This event not only facilitates adoptions but also raises awareness of the pressing challenges faced by local shelters.

The program is presented in partnership with Ohana Surf and Skate and aims to pair holiday fun with a tangible boost to local shelter efforts. Information about the event appears on regional listings such as Visit Galveston.

The Texas Surf Museum drive is timed to provide a single afternoon of adoption and outreach; photos with Surfing Santa are concentrated in the early afternoon to accommodate families and shelter volunteers. Attendees are invited to enjoy the museum and take part in raffles and refreshments while meeting animals available for adoption, creating an inviting atmosphere for potential adopters.

The museum and its partners emphasized community participation as the goal: a holiday-themed event that makes adoptable dogs visible to residents and visitors alike and raises support for the Galveston Island Humane Society, addressing the urgent need for resources and support in the animal welfare sector.

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Original reporting: view the original article.