Pets are a lifelong commitment. They are meant to provide their owners with unconditional love and companionship. They count on their owners to not only love and protect them but to make sure they are treated like family.
There is often a surge of pets in shelters after Christmas because of the realization that those puppies and kittens with the red bow under the tree are more than just an idyllic Instagram story or cute surprise — they are a responsibility.
“Just because animals look cute under the Christmas tree doesn’t mean they make good holiday gifts,” Smith County Animal Control and Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene said. “Many people who receive animals as gifts find that they’re unable to make the lifelong commitment to caring for their new animal companion, no matter how much they’d like to make it work.”
Pet owners are often recommended to follow up on spaying or neutering but don’t always follow through. The same goes for basic care, such as vaccinations, deworming and yearly checkups.
“Animals deserve the best lives possible, but being given as a gift will make that outcome less likely,” Greene said.
People should also familiarize themselves with particular breeds. Huskies, for instance, are appealing because of their piercing blue eyes and all-around adorable fluff but, like many larger dogs, require an active lifestyle. They are often better suited for a more experienced dog owner.
“Dogs need outdoor exercise every single day,” Greene said. “(They are) a huge time investment required to train — and housetrain — a puppy (and) children are not mature enough to handle that responsibility.”
Then there are those known to have health issues, like French bulldogs — also known as Frenchies — as they are popular for the cute and cuddle factors but have respiratory issues that stem from having a flat face.
“Costs can add up quickly, not only for food but also for vet visits and emergency care when the dog swallows a sock or takes a few bites from a toxic houseplant,” Greene said.
She also suggests making sure a potential pet owner isn’t too busy to care for a pet.
“Animal shelters are filled beyond capacity with homeless animals, many of whom were former ‘pets’ all because a child lost interest and no one else stepped in and took the time to provide training and care,” Greene said.
Not only are shelters already facing constant overcrowding from the animals they already have, rescues are also overloaded with calls about abandoned animals.
“It’s important to remember that giving a pet as a surprise gift during the holidays may not be the best idea,” said Adriana Rodríguez, public information officer for the City of Tyler. “It’s always better to ask the person if they want one, as owning a pet is a big responsibility that requires a lot of time, effort and resources.”
If a pet doesn’t immediately get turned in to a shelter, they’re often resigned to a life of neglect, likely on the end of a chain.
“If a family decides to adopt an animal, every member of the family should go to the local animal shelter together to choose the animal after having discussed the obligations and long-term commitments involved,” Greene said. “If you give an animal as a gift, there’s a good chance that the recipient never wanted an animal in the first place, which could result in neglectful treatment.”
In lieu of picking out a pet someone may or may not be ready for, Greene suggests paying an adoption fee at the local animal shelters, or wrapping up a food dish and toys under the tree or buy a dog bed and wrap it up with a stuffed animal.
“After the holidays, you can all go down to the shelter together and pick out an animal companion who’s just right for the recipient,” she said.
For the sake of the animals, shelters and rescues are urging people to weigh all options before considering gifting a pet for Christmas. Or consider adopting one for yourself.
“Adopting a furry friend for yourself can be incredibly rewarding,” Rodriguez said, “as long as you’re ready for the commitment.”