Holiday adoption destroys animal’s futures
The holiday season is often synonymous with warmth, joy, and the spirit of giving. Amidst the festivities, one trend that persists each year is the impulsive adoption of pets as surprise gifts. While the gesture may stem from good intentions, the aftermath often paints a bleak picture. Year after year, many well-meaning individuals rush into adopting animals without considering the lifelong commitment they entail, only to return them when reality sets in. In 2021, The Zebra surveyed 1,500 Americans, and discovered that just over 10 percent of them surrendered animals they could no longer care for.
The aftermath of impulsive pet adoptions during the holiday season is a heartbreaking cycle for the animals involved. Those adorable puppies or kittens gifted in a moment of holiday cheer are suddenly faced with uncertainty when they’re rushed into shelters or abandoned once the novelty wears off. These animals, innocent bystanders in our festive celebrations, experience immense emotional stress, confusion, and end up struggling to readjust to shelter life after briefly experiencing a home.
The return or surrender of these pets perpetuates a cycle of distress and instability within them. Animals can develop attachment and behavioral issues when subjected to this kind of instability, which makes it much harder for them to find a permanent, loving home in the future. The more time these animals spend in shelters, the less likely they are to be adopted, not only because of induced stress, but because of old age.
It’s imperative to emphasize the importance of educating potential pet owners about the responsibilities and commitment required before adoption. Understanding the needs, care, and financial obligations that come alongside ownership is crucial to raising and caring for an animal. Encouraging individuals to consider their lifestyles, time availability, resources and long term plans before bringing an animal into their home can significantly reduce the impulsive adoptions and subsequent surrenders.
Animal shelters and rescue organizations play a pivotal role in this education process. They can offer counseling, informational sessions and even trial periods for potential pet owners to ensure a suitable match between animal and owner. This proactive approach helps to mitigate the chances of animals being returned, as it promotes a more informed and thoughtful decision making process.
Alongside education, societal attitudes toward gifting animals need to shift. Instead of surprising your fiance with a living, breathing life, it’s more considerate of both your partner and the animal to involve them in the adoption process. Allowing the individual to actively be involved in the process allows them to choose a pet that aligns with their lifestyle and limitations, which fosters a deeper and more enduring bond for the future.
The holiday season is all about spreading love and compassion, and this should extend to better the treatment of animals. When prioritizing education, consideration and responsible adoption practice, a secure and brighter future is ensured for the animals that bring us so much joy.
