Animal shelters across New Jersey have been strained for years due to a combination of pandemic-induced stressors. But the Bergen County Animal Shelter is currently at capacity after an acute, post-holiday influx of surrendered dogs, many of which appear to be unwanted Christmas gifts.
“We do get a lot of returns for people who give out pets for Christmas. I think people don’t realize what they’re getting into,” said Bob Bergamini, the shelter’s manager, “…or they don’t do enough studying on the breeds and they don’t realize what certain breeds entail or if their children are allergic or someone in the family is allergic.”
Bergen County Commissioner Steven Tanelli said animal surrenders at this time of year are an issue and urges people to think harder before gifting a pet for the holidays, but hopes people looking for a pet will adopt one of the many that are currently in the shelter’s care.
