HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – With the holidays quickly approaching, many people are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for their friends or family. Sometimes, this means taking on a four-legged friend. Although animals look adorable under a Christmas tree, there are number of reasons why it is not the best idea for a gift.

“Christmas is a busy time of the year and not typically the best time to include a new pet in a home,” said Christian County Animal Shelter Director Melissa Goff. “Most people have travel plans, parties and a variety of other activities that can be very stressful for a new pet.”

Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment that requires a lot of time, effort and money, explains Goff. “If given as a surprise gift, the new owner may not be fully prepared for this.”

Around the holidays, the shelter sees an increase in its numbers, often from people needing to rehome the animal. “We always receive more animals from around Thanksgiving through the month of January,” said Goff. “People often realize they cannot handle the extra responsibility.”

The shelter suggests that if you known someone who wants an animal for Christmas, consider buying them the supplies needed to care for their new pet or make them a homemade certificate stating that you plan to get them an animal of their choosing. “It is very important for people to have connections with their pets, which is more likely if they choose the pet themselves,” Goff said.

Other good alternatives to gifting a pet would be donating to local shelters, sponsoring local shelter animals, or gifting the person books about the types of animals they are interested in so that they can be better informed, suggests Goff. “Consider giving a stuffed animal as a symbol that you will choose an animal together later, after the fun and chaos of the holidays has passed.”

Taking care of an animal is a hefty task that requires responsibilities such as walking, grooming, vet appointments, training, and playing on a regular basis. Pets can get costly with food, toys, bedding, grooming products and services, vet visits and even pet insurance.

“We would love for anyone who is ready to add a new animal to their home to come and adopt from us because we want all these sweet babies to have good, loving homes,” Goff said.

The Christian County Animal Shelter is at 2935 Russellville Road. For more information, call the shelter at 270-887-4175.