Naugatuck Animal Control Releases Statement On Giving Animals As Presents

NAUGATUCK, CT — As the holiday season approaches, Naugatuck Animal Control reminds residents that "puppies are not Christmas presents, they're 15-year commitments."

In a Facebook post this week, animal control released a statement about giving animals as presents this December.

According to animal control, the department has already started to receive calls from families and individuals looking for puppies and kittens for Christmas.

"This is one of our most frustrating and a little worrisome times of the year for all shelters and rescues," the department's Facebook post reads. "Please please know that animals are not meant to be a 'gift,' especially an unplanned one for a family or children."

The department's post, shared to the Naugatuck Animal Control Facebook page on Nov. 19, 2025, can be read in full below:

The calls have begun from families and individuals looking for puppies and kittens for Christmas. This is one of our most frustrating and a little worrisome times of the year for all shelters and rescues.

Please please know that animals are not meant to be a "gift," especially an unplanned one for a family or children.

Most will end up in shelters or on the streets come April, when they need more training, grooming, or medical care, or maybe have grown bigger and stronger than expected.

Pets need to be planned, researched, and will be with your family for many years! They need endless love and daily care. Please take a moment to fully think before buying or adopting an animal for a "gift."