Bringing a pet home during the holidays can feel deeply meaningful. A new companion adds warmth, routine, and connection at a time of year centered on family and togetherness. It is also a decision that extends well beyond the season itself.

Animal welfare experts consistently note that the weeks following the holidays bring a noticeable rise in ‘present’ animals returned to shelters. In 2024 alone, 6.5 million cats and dogs entered shelters across the country. While 4.8 million pets were adopted, nearly 15% were returned into the shelter system, frequently due to behavioral challenges or unmet expectations.

Ryan Howard, founder of GetBuddy, says many of these outcomes can be avoided when adopters slow down and focus on fit rather than impulse. Designed to help reduce returns, GetBuddy utilizes AI to better match people with adoptable pets based on daily habits, home environment, and long-term needs. 

A few simple considerations can make a lasting difference when a pet is being welcomed into a home as a holiday gift.

Understand Your Daily Routine

The pace of everyday life often determines which pets will feel like a natural fit. Howard emphasizes that animals drastically vary in how much time, consistency, and attention they need. 

“Know your daily routine,” he advises. This can be a game changer in a pet’s exercise, interaction and even the daily structure they may require. “Your schedule shapes the type of pet you can support, because each species and breed has different needs.”

When a pet’s needs align with an adopter’s routine, behavioral issues are less likely to surface over time. Mismatches in this area remain one of the most common reasons pets are returned to shelters nationwide. 

Set a Realistic Monthly Budget

The cost of owning a pet has climbed sharply in recent years. While the national cost-of-living adjustment rose by 2.5 percent, dog owners are seeing annual expenses increase by as much as 7 percent, according to a Rover survey. Pet parenthood now carries a larger financial footprint than many people anticipate.

“Food, vet care, grooming, and supplies add up, and a clear budget helps you avoid stress,” Howard says. Over a pet’s lifetime, those costs can be significant. Estimates place the lifetime cost of owning a dog between $16,440 for a small breed and $52,075 for a large breed. Cat ownership can range even more widely, from $10,725 to $61,520, depending on care needs and longevity.

Rising veterinary costs have become one of the leading reasons pets are surrendered each year. Planning ahead allows families to make informed choices from the start and focus on building a stable, healthy relationship with their pet. GetBuddy supports adopters after placement through its 24/7 AI veterinarian and trainer, offering real-time guidance that can help address concerns early and reduce unnecessary expenses.

Align Energy Levels for Long-Term Success

Energy level plays a major role in a pet’s happiness and behavior.  “Choose a pet whose activity level fits your lifestyle, because this improves behavior and long term well being,” he says. 

A pet’s age and breed can offer helpful clues about how much activity and engagement they are likely to need. Puppies and young dogs tend to have higher energy levels, while many dogs begin to settle as they mature. Likewise, breeds developed for working or sporting roles often require more daily stimulation than breeds known for companionship.

When pets receive the right amount of stimulation and rest, they are more likely to settle comfortably into their environment. Over time, this consistency supports training, encourages calm behavior, and improves overall quality of life for both the pet and the adopter.

A Bond Built to Last

As families browse adoption listings during the holidays, it can be tempting to gravitate toward a certain look. Howard says that moment of attraction is natural, but it should never be the deciding factor.

“People focus on looks instead of long term needs,” he shares. “This leads to mismatches in energy, care, and cost, which often causes frustration for both the person and the animal.”

Focusing on lifestyle compatibility rather than aesthetics helps create a more sustainable bond. When expectations align with reality, pets are more likely to settle into their homes with confidence and stay there for good.

A pet can be a meaningful holiday gift when it is chosen thoughtfully and supported consistently. With preparation, honesty, and the right match, adoption becomes the beginning of a lifelong relationship rather than a seasonal decision.