The Fate Of Pets Gifted At The Holidays

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - You know the scene. A child goes to open her gifts under the Christmas tree and sees a big present that is moving. She opens the top and out bounces a cute puppy or kitten with a big bow. The child giddily hugs her new pet. Fade to black.

But what happens after that scene when the child loses interest, or the new puppy chews up your furniture? Or it turns out your kids are allergic to cats?

There are lots of reasons to return a pet that was meant as a gift, but what happens to them?

KDKA-AM's Larry and John talk to Gretchen Feiser of the Western PA Humane Society about the influx of pets during the holiday season, and a cautionary tale on why you should seriously consider not giving a pet as a gift.