Every child at some point has dreamed of rushing down the stairs on Christmas Day to find a furry friend waiting for them under the tree. The initial surge of emotion is immense; tears flowing forth, cuddling the animal to near death, the parents joyfully taking pictures to show off on Facebook, and the echoing screams of unbridled excitement. Those kids can’t wait to show their friends their new family member! The animal itself, while undoubtedly a little startled, is grateful for a new home with happy owners.

  Unfortunately, there are reasons this childhood fantasy of yours never came true. According to Petfinder and the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe, the upsetting truth is that the animals gifted to people as surprises have a higher rate to be given away to other families, surrendered to animal shelters, or, in extreme cases, abandoned.

  There are many reasons as to how the possible end results are so far from the beginning reactions. The new pet may have been picked from its litter solely for its looks without a thought to its temperament. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)’s website, 47% of dogs and 42% of cats are rehomed due to problematic behaviors. Every year, about 36% of rehomed animals in America are given to shelters—according to The Humane Society, that’s 8 million animals. Of those 8 million, 3 million will be euthanized. Most Christmas-bought pets are also impulse buys; parents who just want to amaze their kids with a figure-it-out-later mentality. This means they’ve barely researched what they’re buying and will be unprepared for both short-term and long-term.

  Once the pet is at your house during the holidays, it’s new home can be less than inviting. With far-off family coming to visit, houses tend to be crowded and filled with parties. While celebrating winter break is fun to you, the new pet is terrified of the commotion. After all the hullabaloo of the holidays is over and kids and parents return to their normal schedules, the once new and exciting addition to the family becomes just another mundane thing that needs to be fed and cleaned.

  If someone in your life truly wants to buy an animal for Christmas, just make sure they are prepared with knowledge, motivation, and supplies. Animals are wonderful additions to any home; if you shower them with attention and love, they’ll sure to give that positive energy back.