When thinking of Christmas, things like sugar plums and presents pop into a person’s head.

Many wake up Christmas morning to find things like clothes, games, and candy waiting for them under the tree.

But the holiday season also has a sad twist that many people do not realize.

Around Christmas, the number of pets that are euthanized seems to rise.

According to Dr. Nathan Boggs, veterinarian, his clinic sees about a 10 percent spike in the number of animals put down near the holidays.

The reason for pet euthanasia near the holidays varies from disease to the price tag for animal care.

According to Boggs, deciding to euthanize an animal depends on anything from its illness to its quality of life.

“Usually, they (the pet owners) have the best interest for their pet,” Boggs said.

Around Christmas, pet owners’ pocket books tighten even more when buying presents and other holiday items in addition to paying for pet food and visits to a vet.

Unfortunately, some pet owners euthanize their animals to eliminate the extra costs during the holidays.

Senior Payton Cantrell knows a few pet owners who have put down their pets near Christmas.

“One person I know had an animal who needed immediate surgery,” Cantrell said. “Since it was so close to Christmas they did not want to spend any extra money and decided to go the cheaper route and just put the animal down instead.”

Cantrell believes that people need to realize that a pet is not disposable. They are a life-long commitment.

She said when people get a pet they are not just buying an animal, but adopting a family member.

Boggs said people should take the time to weigh the financial impact animals will have on a family before accepting a pet into the family. Before jumping into a commitment with a pet, people should think about if they can afford one.

“They (possible pet owners) need to be prepared to take care of their pets financially and socially,” Boggs said.

Not only do people have to buy the animals, the animals need food, vaccinations, trips to the veterinarian, and, possibly, even a surgery or two.

According to Ms. Renea Kennedy, deputy director of the Genesee County Animal Control, there are a few other things people should keep in mind when considering a pet.

She said pet owners need to be able to afford their pets and all of the expenses that come with their furry friends.

People considering getting a pet also need to make sure that they have enough time for their pet.

Animals like dogs require a lot of attention, according to Kennedy, so having a packed schedule is not something easily balanced with putting the necessary time into that type of pet.

When people are considering adopting a pet, but have a tight schedule, they should consider getting an animal that does well independently, like a cat, she said.

Kennedy also believes that people need to determine if a pet would be suitable for their home and, if so, which type.

“If they (pet owners) have a trailer and no yard, do they really need a 150-pound dog that needs room to exercise?” Kennedy said.

Getting an animal should depend on the people who would be living with it as well.

For example, getting a puppy while having a baby may not be manageable because both require a lot of attention.

“People need to get an animal after a lot of planning and consideration, not just on a simple whim,” Cantrell said. “Animals deserve love, attention, great owners, and not to just be put down after the first tough financial situation its owner faces.”