Sometimes during the holidays, people will gift others with a pet. But you'll want to make sure if you're giving a pet to another person it's something they can handle; that way the pet won't end up in a shelter.
We spoke to the Nevada Humane Society, and they said they really do encourage people giving pets as gifts, especially if they're from the shelters.
Jerleen Bryant, the CEO of the Nevada Humane Society, explains why. "There is definitely a myth out in our community that giving pets as gifts may not be a good thing and they may be returned at a higher rate than if that person picked out the animal for themselves, but that isn't the case. There have been a variety of studies that have been done over the years on this very topic, and the results are that pets that are given as gifts do not have a higher return rate."
However, she says that doesn't mean that it doesn't always work out, but that can happen even if you come in and pick out a pet yourself.
Bryant also mentions, "We promote adoption over purchasing a pet. We have a lot of pets in our community come through our doors every year; about 10,000 animals come through our doors needing a second chance and another home."
One piece of advice she gives before you get a pet is to picture what kind of life you want with your pet.
She explains, "Are they wanting a running buddy or a Netflix buddy? Is that animal going to be alone for extended periods of time? How much time do they have? Is a puppy the right choice, or maybe an older, more mature dog or cat?"
Bryant also says the Nevada Humane Society has been around for over 90 years, and if you do want to adopt, they have employees that can help personality match you to a dog or cat.
Bryant reminds everyone, "I think it's just a really great thing for anyone in our community to consider adoption and giving a really deserving pet a second chance."
