This Christmas season, many dogs will have a safe, happy home for the holidays.

Several pet rescue missions throughout the country have partnered with the Selma Animal Shelter to place dogs in healthy homes, animal officials said Friday.

Dr. Frances Kendrick of Valley Creek Veterinarian Hospital, said dogs have been adopted by families in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and New York.

“The idea is to try to find a pet a home as quickly as possible,” Kendrick said. “If they don’t get a home, there’s a possibility they’ll have to be euthanized because they can only be kept for so long (inside the shelter).”

Kendrick said individuals can connect with rescue mission groups online through such social networking sites like Facebook.

Selma resident and avid animal lover Jacque Johnson said this holiday season, she’s already seen the immediate benefits of using social media as a means to getting animals adopted.  Johnson, who raises German Shepherds, said the Selma Animal Shelter and Selma Animal Hospital have worked with many rescue missions.

“It helps to connect people who are looking for animals,” Johnson said. “The German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama … the Selma Animal Hospital has worked with them in the past.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States, an estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters each year and approximately 3 to 4 million pets are euthanized. The Society said animal shelters and rescue groups are the best options for new pets.

Johnson, who often sends out information about adoptable animals to residents in her neighborhood, said many have gotten involved.

“Several residents have delivered supplies to the shelter,” Johnson said. “The shelter and the hospital post pictures and informational stories on different animals that are available. I’m a fan of both groups. It helps to know who’s looking and what’s available.”

If you are looking to adopt a pet or looking for information, the Humane Society of the United States recommends visiting theshelterpetproject.org.