Nassau County, NY - December 12, 2016 - While most of us are busy writing our lists and will soon be checking them twice. The Nassau County SPCA urges you to think carefully before you give a pet as a Holiday gift. Animals come with responsibilities, and the person receiving them may not be prepared to adequately provide for the animal's care. When the holidays end, the kids go back to school, and the adults go back to work, what happens to the new pet?

A pet is not a stuffed toy that can be tossed on the shelf when the newness wears off; the reality is that a pet is a serious long term responsibility and the decision to include a pet into any home should come only after careful consideration.

Please don't just "get a pet for the kids," unless you are prepared for a lifetime commitment!

The Nassau County SPCA would like you to remember to start at your local town animal shelter. You'll find dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, colors, temperaments and personalities at your local shelter. Want a high-energy ball player to be your activity partner? How about a low-key but lovable lug to share couch potato duties with you? Shelter staff and volunteers can counsel you and your family on the best pet to fit your lifestyle. By giving a home to a shelter or rescue animal, you save a life and create space for another needy animal, helping to reduce the number of unwanted and homeless animals in your community. There may not be a greater gift for homeless animals than to open your heart and home to them.

Please adopt don't shop!

To Report Animal Cruelty call 516-THE-SPCA, email or use the online form

If you are reporting an emergency, or that an animal is it about to be imminently injured or killed, Call 911 and request immediate police response.

About Nassau County SPCA  
Located in Nassau County, New York, The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a 501(c) (3), nonprofit organization originally designed to protect animals in the county from abuse and neglect, and to provide basic welfare. We hold special authority to enforce NYS Agriculture & Markets Law, and all other state and local humane laws. We are the only animal protection agency officially designated to operate within the county's borders.

The NCSPCA is a volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of needy animals. The Society is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and its operations have been historically funded through contributions solicited from the public and through corporate grants.


The NCSPCA receives no public funding, is in no way affiliated with, a subdivision of or funded by any other local, state or national organization and every contribution, large or small, helps to provide the critical care needed to help homeless, abused and neglected animals in Nassau County. The continued success of each program relies entirely on donations. No money given to any other spca organization aids or benefits the NCSPCA. Your generous contribution will help the NCSPCA in all of its efforts. Visit www.nassaucountyspca.org