NORFOLK, Va. — It's officially the season of giving. As you brainstorm gifts for friends and family, there's one gift in particular that needs special consideration before purchasing: a pet.
Across the country, animal shelters are facing an overcrowding crisis. Adopting is essential to alleviating the load, but shelters warn that a surprise pet can set the animal up for return to the shelter.
According to a November report released by the Shelter Animals Count's national database, shelters are in their third year of having too many animals, and not enough adoptions; especially with dogs.
The report compared data from January through September, and it compares that to statistics from 2022 and 2021.
Compared to two years ago, the report said animal intake is up 10% — and the number is driven by dogs. Additionally, "non-live" outcomes, which include euthanasia deaths and deaths while in care, are up 31% from 2022, and up 85% from 2021.
Hampton Roads shelters are feeling the strain, too. Jessica Wilde, the shelter manager at Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoptions Center, said she has a lot of homeless pets in her shelter: more than 300 intakes in the last month, despite 196 adoptions.
"We're still dealing with very high population, very high adoptions, but very high intakes," Wilde said.
Why pets aren't good surprise gifts or impulse buys
Wilde said there is a lot of generosity during the Christmas season, with people looking to donate, foster or adopt.
"People often think it's a great time to do an adoption because they'll be home, they're off of work, they have some extra days, so they can help acclimate a new pet," Wilde said.
Before adopting, however, Wilde emphasized that potential pet parents need to understand the commitment, first: in many cases, 12 to 16 years, at least.
Also important? Making sure the recipient knows a pet is coming... and is ready to commit to one.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine said up to 20% of companion animals are returned to shelters within six months.
When it comes to adoption returns, Wilde also said it's hard to differentiate holiday pet surrenders from everyday surrenders, but they do see surrenders stemming from impulse decisions.
"Most of the time, when we get people in and they're looking to give to somebody, we always have that conversation of one: do they know you're looking? Because a pet is a really big commitment," Wilde said. "If the other party is totally involved in the process, or they know and they've given a guideline... you can gift responsibly, but there has to be a lot of research."
You don't have to skip the surprise completely, though. There are several ways to create the magic before formally adopting a pet.
If you want to keep the gift tangible, Wilde said the shelter can print out a gift receipt to wrap up that will honor the animal's adoption fee. She also suggested wrapping up some foundational pet supplies, such as a crate, food bowls or toys — essential items that can add up quickly.
"Even if you don't bring home a new puppy on Christmas, have all of those supplies there, ready to go, and then you guys can go out and pick out a pet together, which is even more of a fun experience when you're involving everybody," Wilde said.
Once you're certain your loved one is ready for a pet, you can continue the surprise by visiting the shelter unexpectedly. Jessica Geary, a spokesperson for Peninsula SPCA in Newport News, said to remember your own lifestyle when determining whether an animal is a good fit for you.
"I think it's good to kind of look for your lifestyle, and look for a pet that has the personality that matches the best," Geary said.
Geary also pointed out one notable trend: that more people are looking for puppies and kittens in particular around the holidays than any other time of year.
13News Now's Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandajis was recently surprised with a new puppy. As a long-time dog owner already, he said he's happy about the latest addition to the family. For others looking to do the same, however, he echoed the importance of preparation.
"If you make the decision to get a pet or get a puppy, you've made the conscious choice to enhance your life on so many levels," Pandajis said. "Puppies grow up into dogs that are just as lovable. You need to be able to make that commitment to the entirety of their lives... do not make this on an impulse."
A few shelters are also reducing or eliminating adoption fees to help with the financial burden of a new pet. The Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center is waiving all adoption fees through the end of December, according to a news release.
How to support shelters, animals in need without adopting
If you decide that it's not the right time for you to adopt or foster an animal, but you still want to support shelters this season, there are several ways to do so. Many shelters are in need of donations, and have wish lists outlining what they need, such as pet food or toys. You can also attend fundraising events or volunteer.
"As a private shelter, we actually rely solely on community support. So that makes a very big difference to us," Geary said.
The Humane Society also reminds existing pet owners to make sure cats and dogs have collars with proper identification at all times to help reduce shelter intake from home.