For decades, animal activists have warned against giving pets as gifts during the holidays. They were afraid the pets, were they given to someone who did not want them, would be mistreated, neglected or simply abandoned.

A recent study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says these fears are unfounded and pets given as gifts are as loved as pets adopted or purchased any other time of the year.

According to the telephone survey the animal society conducted in July, 96 percent of responding pet owners who got their pet as a gift said the way they got the animal increased or did not impact the love or attachment toward the pet.

This percentage was unchanged even if the pet was a surprise, and 86 percent of gifted pets were in the family home until they died. That rate is exactly the same as pets received any other way.

Cliff Bennett, Flathead County Animal Shelter director, said while he wouldn’t turn down eager gift-givers, that’s not the ideal way to introduce a new animal to a home.

“The people here are brutally honest with each pet’s personality,” he said. “We want to have long conversations with all potential adopters, especially if they are doing it for somebody else.”

A puppy greeting a child on Christmas morning is a traditional holiday image, but Bennett said it is better for all parties involved if the giver and recipient meet the cat or dog together.

“You can have a dog that doesn’t like cats,” he said. “Or one that could get nippy around kids. We’ll tell you the truth about each one.”

The Humane Society of Northwest Montana follows similar principles. In theory a pet can be a nice Christmas surprise, but in practice things get more complicated.

Sarah Aczas, adoptions and volunteer coordinator at the Humane Society, said using good judgment is important.

“We typically don’t recommend giving a pet as a gift,” she said. “There is a lot more work that goes into owning a pet than putting a bow on it.”

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, whose study supports seasonal adoptions, says that the atmosphere of togetherness as a family during the holidays is an ideal time to adopt a pet.

Until it conducted the study, the society advised against giving pets as gifts.

Dr. Emily Weiss, the nonprofit’s vice president of shelter research and development, says the holidays are an ideal time to adopt a pet “because many of us have time off, and we are around and focused on home and family.”

However, Lori Heatherington, executive director of the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, said she believes the holidays might be an over-stimulating time for a new family friend.

“The holidays are hectic enough to begin with,” she said. “Now you’ve got a new pet and you have to watch out for chocolate on the ground and a hundred other things. It’s tough with that added excitement.”

Before, after or during the holiday season, the animal shelter can be reached at 752-1310 while the Humane Society’s number is 752-7297.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.