They're Not a Gift. They're a Commitment.
“They’re Not a Gift. They’re a Commitment.”
Are You Really Ready to Adopt Right Now?
First things first: if you’re thinking about adopting a dog, thank you. Truly. Opening your home to a rescue pup is one of the most beautiful things you can do.
But we also need to be honest with you—because this time of year, our hearts get pulled in two directions.
The holidays bring a wave of adoptions. That can be amazing. It’s also the season when a heartbreaking number of those same dogs come back to shelters and rescues just weeks or months later, once the wrapping paper is gone and real life settles back in.
Dogs are not gifts.
They are not surprises.
They are not “for the kids.”
They are living, feeling, lifelong commitments.
So before you sign the paperwork or hand over a leash with a bow on it, we want to gently ask:
"Are you sure you’re ready—not just for the holidays, but for the next 10–15 years?"
Why So Many Dogs Are Returned After the Holidays
When we’re helping transport pups this time of year, we see the same story play out again and again:
A dog goes home in December, full of hope, with a family that meant well.
By January or February, the shelter or rescue gets the email:
“We just didn’t realize how much work a dog is.”
Some of the most common reasons dogs are returned:
Underestimating the time commitment - Dogs need daily exercise, training, attention, and consistency—even when everyone goes back to work and school.
“Not what we expected” - Puppies chew. They have accidents. Adolescents test boundaries. Shy or shut-down dogs need time and patience before you see their true personality.
Allergies or landlord issues - Things that should have been checked before the dog ever left the shelter.
Money stress - Food, vet visits, preventatives, grooming, pet sitters, training—those costs add up quickly, especially right after an already-expensive holiday season.
Each of these reasons is real. Life happens. But for the dog, it means bouncing from shelter to home and back again, often more anxious and confused than before.
A Dog Is Not a Present. They’re a New Family Member.
It might sound sweet to see a puppy tumble out from under the tree or a rescue dog walk in with a big red bow. But here’s what we’ve seen over and over:
The dog is overwhelmed by noise, visitors, and chaos.
The “surprised” person may not have wanted or been ready for a dog.
Important conversations about responsibilities never happened—who walks, who feeds, who trains, who pays.
Dogs do best when they come into a home that has:
Talked through the decision together
Prepared their space
Set realistic expectations
Budgeted for ongoing care
A dog shouldn’t be the surprise.
The bowls, bed, leash, crate, and game plan can be the surprise.
The dog should be the mutual, intentional decision.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Adopt
If you’re considering bringing a dog home right now, here are some honest questions to sit with:
What does my average day look like? - Where does a dog fit into that—morning, midday, and night—long-term?
Who will do the unglamorous parts? - Early morning walks. Poop pick-up. Training. Vet visits. Cleaning up accidents.
Can I afford this, really? - Think beyond the adoption fee: food, vet care, preventatives, emergencies, training, boarding, grooming.
What happens when life changes? - New job, move, breakup, baby, health changes—does the commitment to this dog still stand?
Am I prepared to work through challenges, not return the dog? - Barking, separation anxiety, reactivity, leash pulling—these are often trainable issues, not reasons to give up.
If your honest answers give you pause, that’s not failure. That’s responsibility.
Ways to Help if You’re Not Ready (Yet)
Here’s the good news: you can still make a huge difference for dogs without adopting before you’re ready.
You can:
Foster – Short-term fostering helps free up shelter space and gives dogs a safe place to land.
Transport – Join us on the road and help move dogs from risk to safety.
Donate – Cover a dog’s adoption fee, medical care, or transport costs.
Share posts – The right share connects the right dog with the right person.
Volunteer – Help at events, do home checks, or support behind the scenes.
You don’t have to adopt today to be part of the solution.
If You Are Ready, Here’s How to Do It Right
If you’ve truly thought it through and you’re committed for the long haul, we’re cheering for you. To set both you and your future dog up for success:
Adopt from a reputable rescue or shelter that:
Screens adopters thoughtfully
Is transparent about the dog’s needs
Offers support after adoption
Be honest on your application about your lifestyle, schedule, and experience.
Ask for a dog that matches your energy level and experience, not just your “dream look.”
Plan for the decompression period
Remember the 3-3-3 guide: roughly 3 days to start to settle, 3 weeks to see more personality, 3 months to feel truly at home.Commit to training
Group classes, positive reinforcement, and realistic expectations can transform your relationship with your dog.
Our Promise—and Our Ask
At Hounds on the Highway, we see the hope in every car ride. When we load a dog into a crate or clip on a leash, we’re rooting for that one-way trip to a forever home.
We’re not here to shame anyone out of adopting. We’re here to:
Protect the dogs we’re moving
Support the rescues we partner with
Help people make thoughtful, sustainable choices
So if you’re thinking of adopting right now, especially around the holidays, please remember:
They are not a gift. They are a commitment.
If your answer to “Am I truly ready?” is yes—amazing. Let’s do this the right way.
If your answer is “not yet”—that’s okay, too. The dogs will still need you in January, in June, and three years from now. And when you’re ready, they’ll be waiting.
Download your copy of the Are We Ready to Adopt a Dog Checklist
MEET TOBY JAY
Not what you were looking for? You can adopt a different pet by using our search feature and adjusting the radius. Thank you for helping our animal shelters and rescue groups with pet adoption.
| Name | Toby Jay |
|---|---|
| Adoption Fee | $350.00- Dog Adult |
| Age | 4 years, 9 months |
| Gender | Male |
| Size | Large |
| Shots up to date | Yes |
| OK with kids | Not Sure |
| Housetrained | Not Sure |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Spayed / Neutered | Yes |
| OK with dogs | Yes |
| OK with cats | Not Sure |
If you have questions about Toby Jay please contact
NYC Second Chance Rescue
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