LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It's the season of giving and this time of year lots of families look to add furry friends to the household, but with that comes a lot of responsibility.
As more animals get adopted, shelters are preparing to see some of them come back as well.
As animals wait for their forever homes, volunteers at the Little Rock Animal Village know sometimes their next home is just temporary.
It's an unfortunate reality they see pretty often after Christmas.
"Around January, early February, some people start to return them saying it's not working out or they don't have time for it. So we get a lot of returns," said Bernard Bracely, LRAV Assistant Manager.
Bracely said they're thrilled to have so many pets adopted around Christmas, but it makes things a little challenging when they're returned.
"That throws a lot of pressure back on us cause we're constantly staying full and we try to get the dogs out of here as much as possible," he added.
Two hundred 200 dogs are currently in the shelter and that's even after the shelter has offered free adoptions since Thanksgiving.
"We're doing everything we can to get them out. We're gonna continue our free adoptions through the first of the year. So we can try and get as many animals out as possible," he explained.
In the last two weeks, nearly 40 animals were adopted and Bracely said cats are going faster.
"We haven't been able to keep any available cats. All our cats and kids have been coming as soon as they come to the door," he said.
Bracely said part of that might have to do with cats being lower maintenance. The responsibility that comes with dogs a big reason why so many people end up returning them.
"Most people bring him back for like the simple stuff like getting potty trained. Come on, give him time. That takes some work for you to get it potty trained," he said.
He recommended trying it out for at least three months before bringing the dog back.
"Let them get used to you. Let them get the kids get used to it and let's see how it work out before you just hurry up and return it," he said.
If you are looking to adopt a new pet, the Animal Village is offering free adoptions through the first of the year.