What to know before gifting a pet this holiday season

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- With the holiday season in full swing, some families may be considering a furry friend as the perfect gift. But local animal shelters are urging people to think about the long-term consequences.

The holidays are a popular time for welcoming a furry friend into your home -- but it may not always be the best gift.

"Sometimes it's an impulse buy for the holidays," said Rachel Hewitt, a foster with Buffalo Underdogs Rescue. "It can be a 10 to 15-year commitment that maybe you bought on impulse, which isn't the best idea. It's a living, breathing creature."

Hewitt explained that shelters often see an uptick in animals being brought back into their facilities after the holiday season, leaving it to the shelters to handle.

"If you're trying to surrender your pet, there really just might not be a space for it," said Hewitt. "It's really stressful for the dogs, stressful for the employees and volunteers. It's just sad."

The Erie County SPCA said it is fortunate to not be overcrowded. Officials at the SPCA said there can be some positives in bringing home a pet this time of year.

"Pets bring a certain amount of love and affection to people who might really need it this time of year," said Bethany Kloc, communications manager at the SPCA. "The holidays, let's face it, are happy for a lot of people, but there are a lot of people (where) it's not so happy."

The SPCA said a good alternative to gifting pets for the holidays is to support your local shelters.

"If you're thinking about giving someone a pet, you want to make sure it's the right time for that person," said Kloc. "You can get them an SPCA gift card."

If you're looking for a pet for yourself but aren't quite sure if you're ready, one of the greatest things you can do is foster.

"You're giving a dog a chance to get out of the shelter and into a home," said Hewitt. "You're clearing up a space in the shelter for a dog also in need. So you're helping and saving two lives."

Hewitt said a lot of local shelters and rescues need more resources to support the animals they have in their care. There are several ways you can help.

At Buffalo Underdogs Rescue, you can sponsor an "underdog" and become a vital part of their journey. The support provides the necessary care and transportation to a foster home which these animals might need. If you're interested in sponsoring a dog, you can do so here.

The SPCA will have an adoption special beginning on Dec. 21, courtesy of Northtown Automotive. You can adopt any dog and get $50 off your adoption fee. For more information, click here.

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.