As the holiday season approaches, the Heartland Humane Society in Ottumwa is urging residents to think twice before giving a dog or cat as a surprise gift. Board President Jean Sporer said the organization has repeatedly seen animals returned to shelters after being presented to recipients who were not prepared, could not keep them, or discovered their housing or lifestyle would not allow a pet.

“The main reason is if they have not asked the people, well guess what happens. They bring it back: ‘I don’t want this pet, I can’t have this pet. I rent, I can’t have it.’ So we really recommend you do not give dogs or cats or any pets as gifts,” Sporer said, stressing the shelter’s focus on finding long-term homes rather than temporary placements.

Rather than a surprise animal, Sporer encouraged prospective gifters to consider alternatives that support responsible adoption. “And one option for a holiday gift: paying for someone’s pet adoption,” she said, inviting holiday-givers to adopt thoughtfully or to cover an adoption fee on behalf of someone they know.

Sporer also highlighted practical needs at the shelter, noting the Heartland Humane Society is collecting dog and cat food and relies on volunteers and donors to help care for animals. She urged residents to be cautious about leaving animals outdoors during winter weather and to check the shelter’s website for information about supplies and volunteer opportunities.

The shelter handles adoptions and day-to-day operations in Ottumwa and has emphasized several paths for community support: donating supplies, contributing adoption fees, or offering time to assist staff and animals. “Volunteers and donors can support animals in multiple ways beyond gifting a pet,” Sporer said.

Some readers may wonder whether pets given as gifts actually face higher rates of relinquishment. Some studies suggest pets given as gifts may face higher relinquishment risks, though data varies; shelters often report increased holiday returns.

At the same time, there is no authoritative national percentage that isolates returns for pets adopted specifically during the holiday season. Multiple shelters and data organizations have not produced a single, reliable nationwide figure for holiday returns, and practices vary by community and shelter capacity.

For people who are intent on adopting, the Heartland Humane Society and animal welfare experts recommend steps to improve the chances of a successful long-term match. Potential adopters should research breed temperaments, evaluate how a pet will fit with children, other animals and household activity levels, and visit shelters to meet animals in quiet settings. Observing a potential pet’s behavior and asking shelter staff about temperament, medical history and any special needs can help families determine whether a particular animal is a good fit. What steps can someone take to ensure a pet is a good fit for their family before adopting?

By encouraging prospective pet owners to take those steps and by offering alternatives such as paying an adoption fee, Sporer said the Heartland Humane Society hopes to reduce returns and increase stable placements. The shelter’s appeal this season is both practical and preventative: helping animals find homes that will keep them through the holidays and beyond.

Information about the Heartland Humane Society’s adoption process, current needs and volunteer opportunities is available on the organization’s website.