For those thinking of gifting a pet to a loved one, local animal officials suggest including the recipient in the process.

Debra Evans with the Andalusia Area Humane Society suggests making the prospective owner part of the decision-making process.

“If someone wants to have a pet for the holidays, it’s better to have them be a part of the process,” Evans said.

The American Humane Society suggests instead of bringing home an animal right away, consider putting together an “adoption kit.”

The website suggests filling a box with toys, a bed, a leash, a collar, food, treats and a gift certificate for adoption fees at your local shelter; and then, make an event of visiting the shelter to find your next best friend.

One place to find an animal needing a home is at the local animal shelter or humane society.

Pets at the Andalusia Animal Shelter (AAS) and AAHS are vet-checked, up-to-date on shots and may be cheaper than buying one at a store, and already spayed and neutered.

AAS manager Christin Ball said that when people receive animals as presents during the holidays, many people get rid of them after learning the responsibilities attached to owning a pet.

She said the shelter starts seeing an influx in homeless animals in June or July.

“We won’t see any pets until they’re around 6 months old,” Ball said. “We get about 50-75 that are holiday pets.”