Do's and don'ts of gifting pets

HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -December is a big month for pet adoptions and the Columbia-Greene Humane Society ensures each pet goes to a perfect home. President Ron Perez told NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski that getting someone a pet should not be a surprise.

"We encourage people to come to a shelter to adopt. We want that to happen but sometimes it may not be the right pet for them and puppies and kittens do not make great stocking stuffers."

It's not only about finding the right pet for the right person. "They may want a cat instead of a dog," stated Perez. "They may want a rabbit. We have chinchillas right now, they may want a chinchilla so it gives them the ability to come in and spend time with the animal and make sure they bond correctly."

But also a pet that matches its future owner's schedule and budget. "It's going to alter your lifestyle. You have to be home to feed it, it needs veterinary care, so it is kind of an expensive gift. If you work long hours, sometimes a dog can be tough to let it out and walk it properly. Maybe a cat's better for your lifestyle right now," described Perez.

If you have someone at home with a pet on their wish list, Perez has a suggestion to get the adoption process started.

"Have the adoption team set up a program where it's almost like a gift certificate. Take the application home with you and take that to the individual that's going to adopt."

And for anyone looking to give gifts to some pets in need, the humane society is always accepting donations for its food bank.