Animal Shelter Advises Against Surprising Someone with a Pet for the Holidays

“Think Twice Before Gifting a Pet for the Holidays: Animal Shelter Advises Responsible Adoption”

EAST BROOKFIELD, Mass. — Thinking about gifting a homeless pet for the holidays?

One local animal shelter is advising against surprising someone entirely with a pet, as oftentimes animals that are given as holiday gifts are surrendered to local shelters after the holiday season ends.

Potential adopters should carefully consider bringing an animal home for the holidays, and they should take the time to match the animal with the best forever home, Sheryl Blancato, founder and CEO of Second Chance Animal Services in East Brookfield, said in a statement on Monday.

“The decision to bring a pet into your family is immensely gratifying, but it’s also a substantial commitment,” Blancato said. “Extensive research and careful consideration of your family’s lifestyle are critical. Owning a pet is a considerable responsibility, both when they’re young and as they age. Adopting a pet is a pledge for life.”

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A harsh reality is the unseen aftermath of pets surrendered to shelters shortly after holiday festivities, she said.

“Of course, we hope all our pets will spend the holidays in their new homes, but we want them to find homes with committed, loving families ready to take on the responsibility of caring for their new, furry family member,” Blancato said. “Being surrendered back to a shelter takes a serious toll on animals. Witnessing them wait for their owner’s return is truly heartbreaking.”

To encourage responsible pet adoption, Second Chance recommends gifting a pet bed or bowls accompanied by a note expressing your intent to explore pet ownership responsibly.

A handmade gift certificate for a local shelter visit, paired with an informative book on pet care, can be an excellent present for young children, Blancato said.

“This approach ensures that the decision to welcome a pet is well-informed and creates a memorable experience of the joy of going to the shelter together to choose the pet,” she said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Title: Local Animal Shelter Advises Against Surprising with Pets as Holiday Gifts

EAST BROOKFIELD, Mass. — As the holiday season approaches, a local animal shelter is urging potential pet owners to carefully consider gifting a homeless pet. Second Chance Animal Services in East Brookfield advises against surprising someone entirely with a pet, as it often leads to animals being surrendered to shelters after the holiday season.

Founder and CEO Sheryl Blancato emphasized the importance of matching the animal with the best forever home. Adopting a pet is a significant commitment that requires extensive research and careful consideration of the family’s lifestyle. Blancato stated, “Owning a pet is a considerable responsibility, both when they’re young and as they age. Adopting a pet is a pledge for life.”

Blancato shed light on the harsh reality of pets being surrendered to shelters shortly after the holiday festivities. While the hope is for all pets to spend the holidays in their new homes, the shelter aims to find committed and loving families who are ready to take on the responsibility of caring for their new furry family member. Witnessing animals wait for their owner’s return is heartbreaking, and surrendering them back to a shelter takes a toll on their well-being.

To promote responsible pet adoption, Second Chance Animal Services recommends alternative gift options. Instead of surprising someone with a pet, they suggest gifting a pet bed or bowls accompanied by a note expressing the intention to explore pet ownership responsibly. For young children, a handmade gift certificate for a local shelter visit, along with an informative book on pet care, can create a memorable experience and help them understand the responsibilities of owning a pet.

Blancato hopes that this approach will ensure that the decision to welcome a pet is well-informed and thoughtful, providing a positive experience for both the adopter and the animal. By encouraging responsible pet adoption, the shelter aims to reduce the number of pets surrendered after the holiday season.

As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial for individuals and families to consider the long-term commitment and responsibilities that come with owning a pet. Second Chance Animal Services hopes that by educating potential adopters and encouraging responsible pet ownership, they can find loving homes for their homeless pets and prevent the heartbreak of pets being surrendered shortly after the holidays.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

[Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.] [Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter.] [Watch Boston 25 News NOW]

©2023 Cox Media Group.

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Maria Papadopoulos said Visit a local shelter first before giving a pet as a holiday gift, animal advocates say – Boston 25 News

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