Pets as gifts does not always make for a happy holiday

MARYLAND- As the Christmas holiday approaches the pressure to give a unforgettable gift to a loved one increases.

Some may consider giving a pet as a gift, and while the idea may seem like a surefire way to have a memorable holiday, it is not a good idea to give a cat or a dog as a gift.

We spoke to Whitney Hoffman with the Humane Society of Wicomico County who spoke out against the idea: “All of us here at the shelter definitely do not agree with giving pets as gifts. An animal is a life long commitment, and you just don’t know who is willing to take on that responsibility at the moment or what that person is looking for in an animal.”

“While we do want people to adopt and we don’t want there to be a pause in adoption over the holidays, you need to be willing to adopt that animal yourself. Please do not give an animal as a present, there are much better gifts to give than an animal.”