NORFOLK, Neb. -- An animal shelter in northeast Nebraska is advising the public about whether or not adopting a pet is ideal for them during the holiday season.

The Animal Shelter of Northeast Nebraska in Norfolk wants their pets to go to furever homes this Christmas.

Around this time of year, people and families will adopt animals for others that may not be ready or even want a pet.

Lisa Doescher, the shelter manager of ASNN, said that those interested in adopting should remember that having a pet is a responsibility.

"It's a lifelong commitment for those pets and they can live 15 years or more. It's not just a Christmas present, it's not a temporary gift," she said. "They are going to grow and need training."

In most situations, ASNN sees children wanting to adopt a furry friend and promising to take care of it.

The shelter recommends giving children some more responsibilities at home to prove they can handle taking care of a pet.

If some families are on the fence about being ready to adopt or not or need an idea for a gift for someone else, Doescher has a piece of advice for another Christmas gift that might work.

"It's really actually better to get them a gift certificate to the shelter that you want them to get a pet from, so they can make that decision for themselves and pick a specific pet that they would want to adopt," she said.

Doescher said the shelter will not allow people to adopt animals for others.

If a pet must be returned, the shelter has a five-day money-back guarantee.

Even after five days, pets must be returned to the shelter, so ASNN can provide them with a loving home even if their current home is not working out.

You can visit ASNN's website to see a list of pets available for adoption.