Jerleen Bryant from the Nevada Humane Society says there's a perception that pets may not be a good gift to give because it's likely those pets will be returned.

She says this perception is false.

Bryant tells us there have been numerous studies showing less than a half of a percent of animals given as gifts are returned. She says that is less of a return rate than those who come in and adopt a pet themselves.

However, there are things the gift giver needs to consider.

“Certainly making that good match between the animal and the recipient, energy level is important if it’s an active breed or animal and maybe that wouldn’t be a good fit for the recipient or vise versa so trying to be really thoughtful in making that really good match,” said Bryant. 

Bryant also mentions you should make sure the recipient of the pet has expressed true interest in having one.

“We certainly want to make sure the best match is being made," she said. "Right now there are a lot of animals out in the country that are looking for homes and currently there are 245,000 more animals in the shelter system nationwide this holiday season than there was this time last year.”

The Nevada Humane Society shelters in Reno and Carson have hit capacity numerous times this year and they rely on adoptions in our community and those who foster temporarily to try and relieve some of the pressure in their shelters.

Even if you don't adopt, they have other ways you can support the shelters.

“This tree behind me is our holiday gifting tree and there’s some tags on the tree and there’s all different amounts that are specific to things we could provide here in the shelter to our pets,” Bryant mentions. 

Bryant says puppies are cute but they're also an incredible amount of work.

“Here at the Nevada Humane Society we take in over 10,000 animals a year and a percentage of those are puppies and kittens but the majority of those 10,000 animals are adults or young to seniors,” she said.

She says sometimes getting a dog that's not a puppy is a better choice because you can see how they grew up to be.

Bryant also tells us a great gift to consider giving someone you may think wants a pet is to include a training package or bring them to the shelter so they can pick out their own dog. 

The Nevada Humane Society is open seven days a week and they encourage the community to come in. Even if you don't leave with an animal, you can still play with the animals and keep them company.