By Emily Enfinger | The Selma Times-Journal

Many animal rights organizations advise holiday shoppers that pets should not be given as gifts because the time, money and commitment involved with keeping a pet might be too much for some.

The PAWS organization also warns shoppers on its website that picking a pet for someone else could end up in an incompatible match, and the pet might end up at a shelter or worse.

Anthony Smith, animal control officer at the Selma Animal Shelter, said that locally there generally is an increase in animal adoptions during the holidays, but that it’s rare for pets to return after adoption.

“Mostly, they stay with the people who originally adopted them.” Smith said.

In 2013, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) conducted a study to see if adopting a pet for a gift led to a risk of relinquishment. The study concluded that there was “no increased risk ” for animals given as gifts.

Though the decision to adopt shouldn’t be taken lightly, Smith said that there are benefits beyond gaining a loyal friend.

“It helps bring down the number of animals we have in the shelter,” Smith said.

Windell Gaines, another Selma animal control officer, said that giving animals as a gift can have benefits.

“It’s good when your single, and it’s good to have a companion when you get home and something to show you that they love you,” Gaines said.

Both officers agree that there are ways to help the animals at the shelter if you can’t commit to something long-term. Two great ways to do that is to foster a pet temporarily or make a donation to the shelter.

“We take donations and stuff like cat litter, cat food, dog food. Just things to help feed and take care of the animals as much as we possibly can.” Smith said.

Melanie Dejarnette, caretaker at the Selma Animal Shelter, said that newspapers, extra pet toys and beds are also good things to donate.

For more information, contact the Selma Animal Shelter at 334-877-2204.

Donations can also be made to the nonprofit Wannabe Rescued, a 501c3 tax exempt dog rescue. For more on the rescue, see its website, wannaberescued.org.