HOOPESTON, Ill. (WCIA)– With the holiday season in full swing, some gifts come with more than just festive packaging, especially when it comes to pets. This year, an animal expert from Central Illinois is sharing valuable insights to ensure these furry friends find lifelong homes and avoid ending up in shelters.

While the joy of receiving a pet for Christmas is exhilarating, the reality of pet ownership soon sets in. It’s a situation that animal rescue organizations frequently encounter.

“It’s often a case of, ‘We didn’t realize what we were taking on. We have a toddler who’s potty training, and now we’re also trying to house train a puppy,’” explained Amy Buttram, volunteer coordinator for the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team.