Humane Society talks realities of gifting pets

BOWLING GREEN, KY (CNN) — It’s no secret that pets are a lot of work, but for Adoption Counselor Katlyn Hare, this is something people don’t always take into account when gifting an animal.

Hare explained that while parents may want a puppy to grow up with their children, if they are not home often, a puppy is not an ideal pet.

“You know, puppies are super fluffy and cute, until they’re not, because you haven’t been home enough to train them.”

For Hare, it is important to pick a pet that can keep up with someone’s lifestyle.

A younger animal may not be the best pick for someone who can’t devote the time to it.

Instead, she suggested, “You might want to go with a dog that’s a little less higher maintenance; maybe an older dog that’s already housebroken, and not going to need as much training to try to fit into your family.”

Hare also advised making sure the new owner, or owners, can take on all of the responsibilities that come with being a pet parent.

She reminded others that a dog, cat, or any animal, is a lifetime commitment.

“It’s going to be for the rest of their lives that you have to take care of that animal physically, financially, emotionally. It’s not just a gift to someone; it is a huge financial and lifetime commitment,” she added.

If you are looking to adopt for the holidays, the Humane Society has plenty of puppies and kittens, but Hare wants others to remember some their more senior guests.

“If you are looking to adopt and you want to kind of get one of the ones that need to go home for Christmas, I would recommend like a bonded pair or a larger size dog.”

These tend to be the residents who have the longest stays at the shelter.