Gifting animals during the holidays can make the season brighter, but the Baldwin County Humane Society wants to ensure these animals are not just seen as gifts but rather a lifelong commitment.

By January, animals that were given as Christmas gifts are often turned into local shelters, becoming part of more than 6 million animals who enter the shelters in the U.S. every year.

Humane Society Executive Director Abby Pruett said it is important to consider the financial cost of animals before gifting them.

"The biggest thing is financially taking on a pet," Pruett said. "Even if you're just talking about the most basic of care food, that can be hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Ayear to feed, litter, to get vaccines goes into the thousands with the ways our economy is right now, and even a minor medical emergency, the average cost is around $300 or $400 for a dog or cat."

Some of the main reason animals are surrendered other than financial issues are lifestyle changes and the excitement and shininess of a new pet has worn off.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, during COVID-19, more than 23 million American households adopted a pet.

"With COVID-19 and everything, more people had time to take care of these animals because they were at home," Pruett said. "Another reason that these animals are given up is people feel like they might not have enough time to take care of these animals."

Pruett acknowledged the time constraints faced by pet owners but stressed the feasibility of adapting a pet's behavior to match the owner's lifestyle and schedule. She suggested exploring alternatives, such as introducing another pet into the household or fostering, to provide the necessary mental and physical stimulation, group play, a dog walker or finding a friend to give the pet mental exercise.

Families should discuss getting an animal before making the decision to add a new furry family member and consider life plans for the next 10 to 15 years.

"Ask 'What kind of lifestyle do they want? Do they want to travel? Do they want to go to school? What do they want to do?' And make sure a pet fits into that lifestyle," she said. "If your heart is really set on a pet in your 10-to-15-year plan because that's how long you're going to have them on average. Make sure that they fit within your goals for your life. Then, if it works out that Christmas is a good time to get them, great. But surprises are a no."

For those who receive animals as a Christmas gift and are considering surrendering them to a shelter, Pruett said this does not have to be the first option.

"If someone is feeling overwhelmed with the pet that they have gotten, or already had, or after Christmas and they need help, there are groups to help," she said. "There are a lot of groups that will help with food, which I know is a big cost for people. We offer food to the public. They can contact the Baldwin County Humane Society, and we can talk to them about that. We also offer help with emergency medical care. Even if they just need advice on what kind of trainer to use, we just want people to know the first step doesn't have to be surrendering."