Local animal shelters ask that people reconsider gifting pets this holiday season

The director and founder of a local animal shelter is reminding people about gifting pets as presents for Christmas.

Ruth Thompson of the ANNA Shelter said the dynamic between the pet and the owner should be established on it’s own.

EUMA welcomes families for Christmas party at Refuge Emergency Shelter

She said before taking a pet home, people should visit the shelter to become familiar with the animal and be sure that it is something they’re willing to take on.

“We suggest gift certificates. We do, and we help people make it super cute. Like, go out and buy a carrier, a litter box, a collar, like, get all kinds of stuff to put under the tree and then a gift certificate for an animal and they can come in,” said Thompson.

Thompson reminds everyone that a pet is a lifelong commitment and is not something that should be determined by another person.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS