Animal shelters prepare for the busiest adoption season and brace for inevitable returns

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Animal shelters in Lynn Haven and Bay County are preparing for their busiest adoption season, but they’re also bracing for the inevitable returns that follow.

“It’s very sad. We have ourselves prepared that we are going to do a lot of great adoptions before Christmas. And then we generally know that by March or April we are going to be getting those puppies back because they are no longer cute, adorable puppies,” said Cortney Michaud with the Lynn Haven Animal Shelter.

Serina Junger, the Animal Services Manager at the Bay County Animal Shelter, said potential pet owners need to understand the long-term commitment involved.

Shelter staff recommend asking yourself three key questions before adopting: Do you have the time, money, and room for a pet?

Both the Lynn Haven and Bay County animal shelters told us that this year was particularly difficult with the number of surrenders and strays they received. The Bay County Shelter asked that people who are considering giving up their pet give them a call first and discuss options.

Read the full article →

Now retrieving an image set.

Earth Rated Pet Wipes for Dogs and Cats, Hypoallergenic, Cleaning and Hydrating, for Grooming Paws, Body and Butt, Unscented, 100 Count

(46560538)

$9.98 (as of December 17, 2025 19:52 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads, 5-Layer Leak-Proof Super Absorbent, Quick-Dry Surface, Potty Training, Regular (22x22"), 100 Count, Blue & White

(455235506)

$17.20 (as of December 17, 2025 19:52 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Dog Food Dry Formula with Probiotics for Dogs - 35 lb. Bag

(46550204)

$74.48 (as of December 17, 2025 19:52 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora Canine Probiotics for Dogs, Helps Digestive Gut Health and Diarrhea - 30 ct. Box

(47546316)

$30.99 (as of December 17, 2025 19:52 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats Tasty Chicken Flavor, 30 oz. Tub

(48568863)

$15.48 (as of December 17, 2025 19:52 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)