Pets Aren’t Holiday Presents: How to Avoid Post-Holiday Returns

For some shelters and rescues, adoptions surge in the weeks leading up to the holidays. Adopting a pet over the holidays can actually be great timing — being home more with time to bond can ease a new pet into your routine and allow you to give them some real attention and structure. But by January, for some pet parents, the reality sets in. That’s when some pets are surrendered or rehomed.

In South Carolina, for example, one shelter saw 10 percent of its dogs adopted over the holidays returned to the shelter, an increase from its typical three percent. The good news is that most people who adopt during the holidays keep their pets. But with shelters already stretched thin in many communities, every increase matters. Read on to learn more about why holiday pet adoptions can lead to returns, and how to make sure you’re not part of the problem.

Why you shouldn’t buy animals as surprise gifts

We’ve all seen the classic holiday scene (cue the sentimental music): a puppy or kitten with a big red bow appears under the Christmas tree. The recipient squeals with delight, scooping the animal up for a hug. It makes for a sweet scene on screen, but in reality, giving pets as gifts is not a good idea, especially during the holidays.

First of all, the holidays typically aren’t a good time to bring an unexpected new pet home. Even normally quiet households can turn chaotic with visitors, loud noises, unfamiliar faces, and endless distractions. That kind of environment can be overwhelming for any animal, especially one trying to adjust to a brand-new, unprepared home.

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On top of that, common holiday hazards, such as ribbons, ornaments, electrical cords, sweets, and other unsafe foods, are often left within easy reach. And with packed schedules, most people don’t have the time or focus to properly care for and bond with an unplanned pet.

Being unprepared can lead some pets to be returned to shelters shortly after the excitement ends, joining nearly six million other companion animals who enter shelters each year. These post-holiday surrenders usually happen for one or more of the following reasons.

• The recipient didn’t want a pet.

• Someone in the household (who wasn’t consulted) didn’t want a pet. 

• The recipient wasn’t ready for the responsibility or long-term commitment.

• The pet didn’t fit the recipient’s desires.

• The pet didn’t fit the household’s lifestyle.

• The decision was made impulsively, without proper research or discussion.

• The holidays were too chaotic for a smooth adjustment period.

Avoiding these situations starts with one simple rule: Never give someone a pet as a surprise. Choosing to bring a pet home should always involve careful planning and full, informed consent from the recipient and everyone who will be living with the pet.

The stress of pet rehoming

Being rehomed is deeply stressful for most animals. Imagine settling into a new environment, learning the routines, and bonding with the people around you, only to be uprooted and sent back to a shelter or placed in yet another unfamiliar home. That’s the reality for many pets returned after the holidays.

This kind of disruption can lead to anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. For some pets, this may take weeks or months to recover emotionally. It’s a confusing and often traumatic experience, and it’s not fair to put an animal through that simply because the adoption wasn’t thought through.

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That said, rehoming is sometimes necessary. In cases such as illness, emergencies, or when a pet’s needs truly can’t be met, finding them a more suitable home can be the most compassionate choice. But this should never be treated as a fallback plan for impulsive decisions. When you bring an animal into your life, the goal should always be to provide a stable, loving home for their entire life.

Signs you’re ready to adopt a pet

Animals should not be given as presents or surprises, but some individuals or families may truly be ready to adopt this holiday season. Here are a few signs you’re deciding for the right reasons, and at the right time.

You’ve done your research

You’ve looked into different types of animals, breeds, and energy levels. You’ve decided which kind of pet fits your lifestyle and have a realistic understanding of their needs.

Everyone in the household is on board

You’ve had conversations with everyone in your household about the decision to adopt. Each person understands what caring for a pet involves, agrees they’re ready for the responsibility, and thinks the timing feels right.

You’re ready for a long-term commitment

You understand that pets typically live 10 to 20 years (or longer, in the case of some animals, such as turtles). You know that the pet’s needs may change over time and are prepared to support them through every stage of their life.

Your lifestyle can accommodate a pet

You’ve taken an honest look at your daily routine, travel schedule, housing situation, and energy level, and you know you can provide what a pet needs. That might mean daily walks, playtime, litter box cleaning, feeding schedules, or enrichment activities — whatever care your chosen pet requires. You’ve thought through the logistics and are confident your lifestyle can support a pet for the long term.

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You have time to help them adjust

Despite it being the holidays, you have time to help your new pet settle in, build trust, and get comfortable in their new environment. You understand that the first few days and weeks are crucial, and you’re not expecting the pet to show their true personality right away. You’re prepared to guide them through the transition with patience, consistency, and care.

Your house is not chaotic

Your home environment is calm and consistent — not filled with constant noise, guests, or major disruptions. Pets adjust best in peaceful settings where they can feel safe and secure. If your holiday season tends to be low-key, it may actually be an ideal time to welcome a new pet and help them settle in comfortably.

You’ve budgeted for the costs

You’ve researched the monthly costs of caring for a pet. Your budget can comfortably cover the essentials, such as food, toys, poop bags or litter, grooming, routine vet visits, and flea and tick prevention — as well as unexpected costs, such as emergency vet bills or ongoing medical conditions.

You’ve considered your other pets

If you have other pets, you’ve thought carefully about how a new pet will affect them. You’ve considered if the pet’s size, temperament, and energy level are a good match for your resident pets, and if they’re likely to accept a new companion. You’re prepared to handle introductions slowly and safely, set boundaries, and give everyone time to adjust. 

You’re adopting for the right reasons

Your decision to adopt isn’t impulsive or emotionally driven. It’s grounded in a genuine desire to care for and share your life with an animal. You’re not adopting to fix loneliness, entertain your kids, take adorable holiday photos, or fill a temporary emotional gap. You understand that a pet won’t solve personal problems, and you’re not expecting them to. 

Ready to adopt this holiday season? Start here

If you’ve carefully considered the commitment and feel confident that now’s the right time to welcome a new pet, the next step is finding your new family member. Here are a few trusted ways to start the adoption process.

Search adoptable pets online

Adopt a Pet allows you to easily browse adoptable dogs, cats, and other animals from shelters, rescues, and individuals looking to rehome their pets. You can filter your search by species, breed, age, size, temperament, and other factors to find a pet who fits your lifestyle. Most listings include photos, personality details, and notes on compatibility, such as whether or not the pet does well with kids or other pets. 

Visit your local animal shelter

Local animal shelters are great places to meet adoptable pets in person. They often house a wide variety of cats and dogs, and sometimes other animals such as rabbits or small critters. Shelter staff and volunteers can offer valuable insight into each animal’s personality, history, and care needs. 

Just remember: Shelters can be noisy and overwhelming, which may cause pets to act differently than they would in a calm home. Ask questions and try to look beyond first impressions.

Reach out to rescue groups

Rescues typically rely on foster homes instead of operating out of a central facility, giving animals the chance to live in a domestic environment as they wait to be adopted. Many focus on specific species, such as cats, dogs, or rabbits, or specialize in breeds or animals with special needs.

Because rescue groups work closely with their foster animals, they often know their personalities, behaviors, and needs very well. They tend to have more detailed intake and adoption screening processes, and many offer post-adoption support to help with the transition.

Attend adoption events

Many shelters and rescue organizations host adoption events. These events provide an opportunity to meet multiple pets at once and speak with rescue representatives.

Commonly asked questions

What are good reasons to return a cat to a shelter?

Anything that keeps you from meeting a cat’s basic needs can be a valid reason to consider rehoming. This might include a serious illness, long-term loss of income, or other major life changes. Consider using a service like Rehome by Adopt a Pet before returning your cat to the shelter. 

Why are gifted pets a bad idea?

Surprising someone with a pet often backfires. The recipient may not be ready, willing, or able to care for the animal. This may lead to the pet being surrendered. 

Should I adopt during the holidays or wait?

If your holidays are typically hectic, noisy, or packed with travel, hold off on adopting until things settle down. But if you’ve carefully thought things over and have the time, space, and stability to welcome a pet during the holidays, it can work out well.

What’s the difference between adopting from a shelter vs. a rescue?

Shelters typically take in local strays and surrendered dogs and cats of all kinds, while rescues often specialize in certain species, breeds, or animals with special needs. Both can be excellent options. What matters most is choosing a reputable organization.

Resources 

“Pets as Holiday Gifts.” VMBS News, 21 Dec. 2015, vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/pets-as-holiday-gifts.

‌“Shelters Full of ‘Present’ Animals after the Holidays.” PETA, 19 Dec. 2018, www.peta.org/news/shelters-full-unwanted-present-animals-after-holidays.

“U.S. Animal Shelter Statistics.” ASPCA, 2024, www.aspca.org/helping-shelters-people-pets/us-animal-shelter-statistics.