DANA POINT

To combat the rash of spur-of-the-moment holiday adoptions, the Coastal Animal Services Authority implements a weeklong moratorium on pet adoptions every Christmas. Delores Keyes, general manager for the animal shelter, said adoptions will not be allowed from Dec. 21 to 28 to prevent people from taking home an animal they may end up abandoning months down the road.

For those who absolutely must get a pet for someone this season, Keyes recommends putting together a “pet care kit,” complete with a bowl, pet food, a collar, some toys and a promise that the gift-giver will help pick out a pet once Christmas is over.