News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Putnam County Animal Shelter advises against giving pets as surprise gifts this Christmas.
Putnam County Animal Shelter Director Jennifer Hutchinson-Tracy said surprise pets can end up at the shelter after Christmas.
“The biggest issue with animals as gifts is that yes, they make wonderful gifts, but they don’t make good surprises. So everybody in the household should be on board,” Tracy said. “And if it is a gift for a child especially, let’s face it. I mean kids can’t really be pet owners. They don’t have the capability of taking the animals to the vet.”
Surprise gifted pets may end up at the shelter after the holidays.
Tracy said other things can influence the addition of a pet, including finances and allergies.
Tracy said she has seen a general trend of pets returning to the shelters during the New Year.
“Since I am new to this shelter, I can’t really speak to the trends that have happened here. It is something I have seen at other shelters that I have been at,” Tracy said. “A surge of adoptions right before the holidays and then returns shortly there afterward for various reasons.”
Tracy said everyone can help pets find lasting homes.
“Always just educating people that are maybe talking about getting a pet. Making sure that they really know what all is involved and if they are prepared for making that commitment,” Tracy said. “You know as nice of a shelter it is and as nice that the people are that take care of them, the best place for an animal is a loving home.”
Tracy said those wishing to give a pet for Christmas should make sure the recipient has a choice.
“Another thing if it is a matter of getting a gift but you want the recipient to be involved,” Tracy said. “Make up a nice little care package of things and a little handmade gift-certificate that you will go with them to the shelter and pay for them to adopt a pet.”
Tracy said the Putnam County Animal Shelter also allows animal lovers to sponsor pets by donating a portion of the adoption fee.
