Humane Society of Perry

Pets are a popular gift to give during the holiday season, but the Perry Humane Society reminds people pet adoption is a big responsibility they shouldn’t enter into lightly.

Breanna Gonzalez, President of the Humane Society of Perry, says in general she would advise against giving pets as a Christmas gift. She believes doing so encourages children to think of the animal as just another toy under the tree, rather than as a new family member. Instead, she recommends an alternative that can clue the family into your intention to get a pet, and then pick one out together.

“When considering an animal as a holiday gift, I am of course going to suggest that the gift-giver instead gives the supplies that one would need in order to care for a new pet. When adding a new pet to the family, it needs to be a well thought-out plan, not an impulse buy. That’s also going to give everyone in the family the opportunity to bond with or see which animal at the shelter sort of comes to them or fits their lifestyle.”

She adds, often times when a gift-giver buys a pet for someone as a surprise gift, the animal will end up back at the shelter come January, after they realize it’s not working out. Because of that, Gonzalez encourages families to look for pets after the holiday season, when they typically have an influx of rescues. To hear more from Gonzalez, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.