Be ready for the commitment, manager of Columbus animal shelter says

Many people gift dogs and cats for the holidays.

But are they ready for the commitment?

Who doesn't love a cute puppy,, just look at this little guy ---- it's why people love to give them as gifts especially time of year.

And many people turn to adoption as an option.

But humane societies tend to see a spike in dogs returning to shelters a few months after christmas as people surrender the animals they thought they could take care of.

Wtva's rhea thornton was in lowndes county where she spoke with a manager of a humane society about this exact problem... .std" adding a furry friend to the family seems like a great gift for christmas... but are you ready for the responsibility of a pet?

I spoke with the manager of the columbus lowndes humane society and he said a pet is a longtime commitment.

Jason nickles - manager of columbus lowndes humane society: "it's not a gift.

It's not a present.

It's a living, breathing animal."

Jason nickles is the manager of the columbus lowndes humane society.

He said he sees a slight increase in dogs entering the shelter after christmas time.

He believes this is because many people don't expect the longterm commitment that comes with an animal.

Jason nickles - manager of columbus lowndes humane society: "a dog can live 15 years.

Same for cats.

So your lifestyles are going to change.

Maybe you're in an apartment.

Maybe you're going to get a house.

So think about all that before you actually get one because it's not fair to get one , have it for a little bit, and then turn around and bring it right back."

Along with living situation, nickles said its important to determine if you can afford the animal and the vet check-ups that come with it.

Jason nickles - manager of columbus lowndes humane society: "things happen.

They might eat a ball and now it's stuck in their stomach and you've got to spend a lot of money on it and that kind of stuff, so just be prepared financially."

However, one of the most troubling aspects of adoption nickles said, is that people must give their animals time to get out of their shell in their new home.

Jason nickles - manager of columbus lowndes humane society: "it could take weeks.

It could take months.

It all depends on the dog.

They're all different, but just give them time."

((tag)) now for those that feel ready for the commitment, nickles said the humane society will deliver pets on christmas day if asked.

In columbus, rhea thornton wtva 9 news.