NEWPORT--While giving gifts of clothes, furniture or jewelry make great Christmas present, that may not be the same for pets.
This can lead to returned pets after Christmas.
Adoptions were up during Christmas time at the Carteret County Humane Society.
"This year we've seen a surge of adoptions," said Shelter Manager Kristin Cobb.
But the Christmas season also meant returned adopted pets.
"We had a lot of intakes as far as people moving, going out of town, turning their dogs in," said Cobb.
Only a few pets were given as gifts this year.
Cobb is hoping she and her staff found forever homes for these animals.
"Last year we had a lot of intakes I mean we even had a dog come in with a Christmas sweater on," said Cobb.
Cobb says that if you're considering getting a pet for someone else you should encourage that person to come down to the shelter and meet the pets first.
"Think about it, visit the shelter, volunteer, get to know them. I just think it's important to take time, to come look, to spend time with the animal maybe multiple times," said Cobb.
If you're interested in taking a look at the pets up for adoption you can stop by the Carteret County Humane Society.
It's open every day except Sunday.