CIUDAD JUAREZ, Chihuahua, Mexico – December 22, 2025 – Animal welfare specialists in Ciudad Juarez have issued a stark warning against gifting pets during the Christmas season, citing a significant risk of abandonment and mistreatment. In response, a local animal welfare agency has taken proactive steps, temporarily halting pet adoptions to protect animals during this critical period.
Impulsive Gifting: A Risky Holiday Trend
The Christmas season frequently sees a surge in impulsive decisions, including the adoption of pets as gifts. However, experts in animal welfare consider this practice perilous if not thoroughly considered. Reports of animal abandonment typically increase after the holidays, prompting authorities to implement preventive measures.
Why the Suspension of Pet Adoptions?
For the next two weeks, a prominent animal welfare agency in Ciudad Juarez announced a temporary suspension of its adoption services. This decision aims to safeguard the well-being of dogs and cats, preventing them from being placed with families unprepared for the long-term commitment required for their care.
According to information released by authorities, the holiday season witnesses a rise in animals given as gifts. Unfortunately, many of these pets are abandoned weeks later, confined to patios, or subjected to mistreatment, lacking adequate food, shelter, and veterinary attention.
Animal protection experts emphasize that improper pet ownership can lead to severe physical and emotional harm to animals. Furthermore, it can result in legal repercussions for owners found responsible for grave neglect.
Key Considerations Before Adopting or Gifting a Pet
Veterinary medicine specialists highlight the substantial financial commitment involved in pet ownership. The first year of a pet’s life alone can incur expenses ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 Mexican pesos (approximately 880 to 1,170 USD), covering vaccinations, deworming, food, sterilization, and essential veterinary care.
Beyond financial considerations, prospective owners must carefully evaluate their family’s lifestyle. A companion animal should not be left alone for more than 10 hours daily. Pets demand significant time, patience, training, and consistent care, particularly when they fall ill.
It is also crucial for the home environment to offer adequate space, safety measures, and overall stability. Specialists remind the public that dogs can live between 10 and 20 years, while cats can reach up to 25 years. Therefore, adopting a pet represents a profound, long-term commitment.
Addressing the Problem in Ciudad Juarez
The decision by the animal welfare agency in Ciudad Juarez reflects a growing concern among local authorities and animal advocates. By pausing adoptions, they hope to encourage potential pet owners to make informed, responsible choices rather than succumbing to holiday impulses.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to educate the public on responsible pet ownership and to reduce the alarming rates of animal abandonment that plague the region post-holiday season. The agency encourages community members to consider fostering or volunteering at shelters if they wish to help animals during this time, rather than making a rushed adoption decision.
The temporary suspension is expected to conclude in early January, allowing time for families to reflect and ensure they are fully prepared for the responsibilities of pet ownership. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and assess the effectiveness of this preventative measure.
Source: https://www.aztecaciudadjuarez.com/noticias/suspenden-adopciones-y-alertan-los-riesgos-regalar-mascotas-en-navidad/
