MADISON, Wis. – The holiday season is the prime time for animals to be gifts.
But surprising a loved one with a furry friend is not always the best option.
After Christmas, many shelters see an increase in people who surrender a dog or cat after receiving it as a gift and realizing that they are not ready for a pet.
Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) leaders said it’s important to know that pets are a big commitment of time and money. That is why the organization works to advise all those who come to adopt before deciding to go home with an animal.
“This is about making sure families are talking about a pet,” said Lisa Bernard, a spokeswoman for DCHS. “If it’s not the family that’s actually buying the pet, maybe it’s telling the parents and/or guardian about the type of pet they’re looking for.”
She recommended to add the gift to be a trip to the shelter or animal store together to look at the animals and find out more about those who might be interested. Gifts can offer to pay adoption fees or put together a box of pet supplies. That leaves the decision to actually buy a pet up to the individual or family.
“That gift can be part of the process,” Bernard said. “And you can also see that bond forming right away, which is a wonderful experience to hear. And it’s also an amazing thing to see.”
If you think carefully and decide to gift a pet, make sure not to put it in a crate or box to be unwrapped.
“We don’t recommend it just because it can stress your pet to go all of a sudden from being outside and next to a box or, you know, from a cage to a box,” Bernard said.
She said the adoption counselors at DCHS are more than happy to help you make the decision that’s best for your family this holiday season.
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