HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The holidays are a fun time to surprise someone with a gift. But some people who work with animals say you should think twice before giving pets as a gift.
Gina Reese volunteers at Friends of Perry Animal Shelter and has been working with animals for multiple years.
"Let's get away from impulsive adoptions because it does require a thought process," Reese said.
She said over the years she's seen many people impulse purchase pets around the holiday season.
"They need to stop and think this is a long-term commitment. This is not something that you can give to someone and they can wear a couple of times and then give to a friend," Reese said.
She said when people don't consider all the things pets need- a lot of time, space to explore and money- they're more likely to take the pet back to another shelter or rescue. That can be damaging to a pet.
"Because they have developed a feeling of unwanted abandonment you know. They're not- they lose their confidence. They're not the same dog that they were when they walked out," Reese said.
Over at Hands of Hope Animal Rescue in Warner Robins, Dr. John Hutchens has worked with animals for over 15 years.
"I think having a pet is very similar to the expectations of having a child," he said.
And like children, pet food has gone up with inflation the past few years.
"Pet food has also gone up tremendously as well. I think if we are going to be pet parents, we want to do it in the best possible way that we can, and that has an added cost associated with it," Hutchens said.
And it's not just food. He said a lot of things that pets need, like medical procedures and medicine have also gone up in price lately.
That's why he recommends pet insurance to anyone getting a new pet.
"It's hard to watch folks struggle with that financial burden, but pet insurance may be another alternative or a great option to look into well before they decide to adopt a pet," Hutchens said.
If you live in Laurens County, Shamrock Animal Welfare League has a resource that can help you save money.
If you have a financial need, they offer free spays, neuters, and rabies shots to pet owners living in Laurens County.
All animals must be at least five months, and they can't provide services to animals that will be put back out on the streets because the county doesn't allow that. Picked up animals must also do a 10 day legal stray hold through Laurens County Animal Control before they are serviced.
They can provide for strays (if other criteria is met), if they’re on your property and you intend to keep them there but you must be able to catch them to make sure they make their appointment.
According to their Facebook page, they are currently fully booked until next year, so requests will be added to their call list,
If you'd like to reach out to them, you can email them at: ShamrockAWL@gmail.com or find them on Facebook. Their mailing address is: SAWL PO Box 1545, Dublin, GA 31040.