Since it’s that time of the year, we can’t help but think about the little puppies and kittens crawling out of the gift boxes. However, there’s a never-ending dialogue about pet adoption during the holidays. Various animal welfare organizations have policies against it since many think that cats and dogs that weren’t chosen by their new owners will not be seen as valuable.

Before you decide to adopt, there are plenty of factors to take in, both positive and negative. Needless to say, getting a pet as a gift is a dream come true for many. One of the benefits of taking in a pet during Christmas is that most of the family members have a few days off from school and work, so there’s extra time to get familiar and ease the transition of adoption. Also, there’s the fact that saving a pet will make more room for another neglected four-legged creature at the shelter.

What’s more, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) highly encourages people to adopt a four-legged friend during the holidays. According to their survey of more than 200 individuals, there is no increased risk of abandonment of dogs and cats that were received as a gift.

When asked if obtaining a pet on holidays increased, decreased, or had no impact on the attachment to the pet, almost all participants said it either increased or had no impact. Plus, 86 percent of cats and dogs adopted during the holidays were still in the home.

The researchers wrote that “denying adopters who intend to give the animals as gifts may unnecessarily impede the overarching goal of increasing adoptions of pets from our nation’s shelter system.”

Unfortunately, when reality sets in, some animals unavoidably get returned to the shelter. Holiday celebrations can be quite chaotic and our emotions often get heightened, so there are a few things to consider before making this step. First, make sure that the receiver of this gift really wants a pet and that they will be able to look after their basic needs and medical care. 

Some people might be planning to travel during the holidays and if this is the case, it would be better to adopt after the festivities, during a less hectic time when everybody could turn their attention to the new family member.

Previously, we spoke to Kelly DiCicco, Adoptions Promotions Manager at the ASPCA, who told us that adopting a pet should not be a spur-of-the-moment decision: “It should be expected that you’ll experience lifestyle changes over the course of the pet’s life, such as moving, having children or getting a new job, so it’s important to consider how you will care for your pet during those changes before you add that pet to your family; many shelters offer various forms of support to answer questions you might have before you adopt, or afterward.”

She added: “We always encourage adopters to keep an open mind and heart when visiting a shelter or rescue; as you may walk out with a pet you’d never considered before, like a senior animal or an animal who looks nothing like what you originally had in mind.” And if you have any kind of doubts, you could try fostering. Taking in a homeless dog or cat into your home until they are adopted will still let them know that there is someone who will give them the care and love that they deserve.

However, if you’re a hundred percent sure about adopting, remember that a pet is not just for the holidays, but for the rest of its life. According to the ASPCA, as you go through lifestyle changes, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life. Make sure that you will be able to care for your pet no matter the circumstances. 

Your personality and lifestyle also play an important role in determining which pet is best suitable for you: “Research different breeds and ask shelter staffers for guidance—they’re experts at making perfect matches!” And lastly, when you've found your new furry friend, check your home and make it safe and ready for them to arrive. “That includes keeping toxic foods, pet-unfriendly plants and dangerous household items out of paw’s reach,” ASPCA recommended.

One thing most of us can definitely agree on—there’s nothing more wholesome and heartwarming than hearing stories about rescued pets and the kind-hearted people who took them in. Sadly, we can’t adopt them all, but we can at least look at the ones who already found their forever homes and get to live the life they truly deserve.