Local experts say holiday pet adoptions often don’t last
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Christmas could be the highlight of the year for animals waiting for adoption in local animal shelters, but officials said giving them as gifts doesn’t always end in a Merry Christmas. “Anytime that you adopt, whether it’s for Christmas or any type of reason, you need to do your research — you need to adopt responsibility,” said George Rider, lead officer at Jackson-Madison County Rabies Control. He said the holidays aren’t spared from people giving up their pets. Some are rejected Christmas gifts that owners just weren’t ready for. “They get the puppy, and it wasn’t quite what they were expecting. It was cute. It was fluffy, but it used the bathroom in the house, or it chewed up the furniture,” Rider said. He also said their facility had more than 50 adoptions but around 30 owner surrenders. Rider said the number of pets they receive from owners doesn’t change around the holidays, just the excuses. “Depending on which holiday they’re closest to is depending on what excuse they use at the time,” Rider said. Kathy Abrams said she’s worked with local rescue groups for a few months. On Wednesday, she adopted two shepherds as Christmas gifts for her relatives. She said training is the key to keeping adopted pets home far past the holidays. “They’re just like kids,” Abrams said. “If you don’t train the kids, if you don’t tell them no, if you don’t teach them what to do, then they’re not going to do what you want them to do.” Rider agreed and said to research before you bring the new paws home for the holidays. “Before you make a long-term commitment, you need to be sure of what you’re committing to,” Rider said. If you’re interested in adopting a dog or cat after Christmas, you can visit the center at 146 Miller Avenue in Jackson.
