Anyone hoping to get or give a pet over the holidays won't be able to acquire it from the SPCA in Bathurst.

The northern New Brunswick city's animal shelter, which serves all of Gloucester County, has a special policy for the Christmas period. It's designed to prevent pets from being adopted amid the heady spirit of the season, only to be returned to the shelter in January when their new owners realize they don't really want them.

"We want to see all of our furry critters get a forever home," said Kevin White, an animal control officer at the SPCA. "However the holidays in our opinion is not a very good time to be adopting a pet."

The animal-welfare body put the holiday policy in place several years ago. It bars people from adopting pets from mid-December until the beginning of January.

Though there are dozens of cats and dogs waiting for new homes, it's in their best interest not to be adopted around Christmas, White said.

"We were seeing a lot of dogs and cats coming back to the shelter, because they weren't a wanted present. What people don't realize is that when you acquire an animal, it's a long-term commitment. You're going to have that animal for 10 to 20 years."

The SPCA still encourages people to adopt pets, but after the holidays. White said Gloucester County has about 100 animals looking for permanent homes.