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JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A pet can make a wonderful birthday or holiday gift. But if the recipient isn’t ready for the responsibility, the animal could join the thousands of others in a shelter.

A recent study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 96% of those who received pets as gifts thought it either increased or had no impact on their love or attachment to that pet.

“The ASPCA recommends the giving of pets as gifts only to people who have expressed a sustained interest in owning one, and the ability to care for it responsibly,” the organization states. “We also recommend that pets be obtained from animal shelters, rescue organizations, friends, family or responsible breeders—not from places where the source of the animal is unknown or untrusted.”

The James River Humane Society says they see an increase in pets left at the shelter after the holidays.

Board member Jay Nitschke says it’s important to consider several things when giving a pet as a gift. These include:

1. Giving the gift, but never as a surprise
2. Paying adoption fees in advance
3. Giving pets as gifts to immediate family only
4. Avoid impulses

Nitschke says they’re also holding several ways the public can help the shelter with operations and supplies this holiday season.

You can also donate supplies or send monetary donations to the non-profit shelter. Nitschke added the support for the shelter over the past year has been welcomed and appreciated.

For more information, visit jamesriverhumanesociety.org to see adoptable animals and how you can assist them. The shelter is limited to visitors at this time. To scheduled an appointment, contact cat manager Sheila at 701-367-6913, and the dog manager Kris at 701-269-2803.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Jay Nitschke below: