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RALEIGH — Brad Holinbeck and Udoka Nwaeze are looking for looking for a pet this holiday season. Instead of a pet store, they chose to focus their search at the SPCA.

"You know, adopting is a good opportunity to allow the dogs that didn't have a good chance to get another chance," said Nwaeze.

Holinbeck feels that going to an organization like the SPCA is a great alternative. Animal shelters rely on those feelings to help with overcrowded facilities this time of year.

"Keeping the pets moving out the doors is critical to being able to have the space to bring them in off the streets,” said Mondy Lamb with the SPCA.

However, officials stress that adopting a pet is a huge responsibility.

"Potential pet parents should be ready for a relationship,” said Lamb. “Like any relationship, it takes time, it takes effort, it takes commitment."

Experts warn against giving a puppy or kitten as a holiday surprise. Adults who are in on the selection process and know the associated costs are less likely to return their pets to shelters in January.

"I think it takes a lot of time, a lot of patience, and a lot of love,” said Nwaeze. “Because, there are going to be good days and there are going to be bad days, but you have to be dedicated to loving them."

If you're not quite ready for parenthood, you can still help out - just make sure you know where your generosity is going.

"No animal shelter is operated from a national level,” Lamb said. “If you want to help pets locally, then give locally. So, make sure that the mailing address where you send your donation is a local address in your own community."