Just after the holidays, there is an influx of pets–mostly dogs and cats–who are brought to shelters and pounds or simply abandoned. These gifted pets may have been unwanted, or their well-intended owners may not have realized the responsibility and work the pets would require. Unless the pet-giver is certain a pet is wanted and the pet's new family is ready to take on the commitment for the long haul, gifting a pet is not a good idea. It looks like a dream when we see that little girl opening up a perfectly-wrapped package to reveal a silky butterball-of-a-puppy. What we don't envision are the potty training mishaps, chewed table leg or stained couch. Reality bites.
It's not the pet's fault.
There is a post-holiday pet crisis, so if you're considering adoption (and you understand the reality of pet parenting), now is a great time to bring home a new furry family member. After impulsively indulging in a pet fantasy, many people surrender their pets in the days and weeks following December holidays. When the shelters fill to capacity, these pets are sometimes abandoned altogether, left to fend for themselves.
So after careful consideration and planning, if you're ready to adopt, now is an excellent time to make one of these animals part of your family.
Resources:
ASPCA: Find a Pet to Adopt Near You
Lost Our Home Pet Foundation (Phoenix area)