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10 things to know before adopting a pet this holiday season
A puppy in a kennel catches the eye of human hands entering its enclosure.
With an estimate 3.1 million dogs and 3.2 million cats Entering animal shelters each year, giving or receiving a pet can be a fun surprise and a way to help a good cause over the holidays. However, providing a loving home is a responsibility that lasts for years. maybe better times to bring a new pet into the house than this chaotic season.
Giving a pet as a gift can be risky. The recipient may not be prepared or the gifted animal may not be suitable for their household. There is a lot of Considerations before adopting a pet: type of animal, home preparation, ability to provide proper care, and cost, to name a few.
Donating to a local animal shelter is a thoughtful alternative to donating or getting a pet. Shelters often need basic items like cleaning supplies, treats, toys, and blankets. Volunteering at a shelter or temporary foster home is another option, as it benefits the animals and the shelter organization.
Are you still keen to find a new four-legged friend? Stir! has compiled a list of things to consider before adopting a pet this holiday season. Check out the list below for 10 helpful tips.
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Choose a pet that suits you
Cat and dog under a Christmas tree
When deciding which pet will be the best fit for your home or family, it’s not enough to consider how adorable it is. With most pets, consider factors such as size, grooming needs, and how they will get along with other pets already in the home. There are also animal-specific considerations, such as the temperament and activity level of the dogs or how easily the house can be adapted to accommodate the feline need to scratch and explore.
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Prepare in advance
Hands of a person selecting a bowl in a pet store.
Before bringing a new animal home, it is essential to buy all the necessary supplies (food, bowls, treats, leashes, beds, litter boxes, etc.). Take the time to establish in advance who will be responsible for tasks such as feeding the pet each day, walking the dog, or cleaning the cat’s litter box. It’s also a good idea to find a veterinarian and research local pet trainers and sitters, just in case you need these services in the future.
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Consider medical needs beyond vaccinations
Woman with senior dog at Christmas tree.
Just like humans, pets have routine medical needs (annual exams, mandatory vaccinations, medications) and unexpected health issues that should be factored into household budgets. For dogs, expenses can include an average of $242 for routine vet appointments, $81 for vitamins, and $458 for surgical vet visits per year, based on 2021-2022. National Pet Ownership Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. Cat care is slightly lower, averaging $178 for routine vet appointments, $47 for vitamins, and $201 for surgical vet visits.
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Pets are not present – these are responsibilities
Red kong toy chewing puppy.
Giving a loved one a puppy or kitten sounds exciting, but many animal shelters and rescue organizations are reporting an increase in the number of animals being given back after the holidays. Before surprising someone with a pet as a gift, talk to them and make sure they are ready to take on the responsibility of bringing a pet into their home.
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Consider adopting from a shelter or animal shelter
Woman holding tea near Christmas tree with two dogs.
Each year, approximately 920,000 animals are euthanized in shelters, a significant drop from 2.6 million in 2011. Choosing to adopt instead of buying from breeders or pet stores will help ensure that this number continues to decline.
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If you want to adopt it for someone else, give a certificate instead
Man writing holiday cards.
Instead of giving a pet for the holidays, consider printing out an adoption certificate; This puts the commitment in writing but allows the recipient to choose the animal that suits them best. To make the gift even more special, select a few treats, toys, or pet supplies to give with the certificate.
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Give the pet time to settle into your home and family
Man cuddling with a cat.
The bustle of the holiday season often means extra noise, people, and activity in many households. To help animals adjust to their new home, make sure they have enough time and space away from these celebrations. This will help lessen the fear of their new surroundings and give them plenty of time to rest.
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Take the Holidays Off to Spend Time with a New Pet
The cat in the festive sweater sits on the packaging and decorations.
In addition to giving animals time to acclimate to their new home and rest, it is essential to spending quality time together. Don’t let holiday celebrations take precedence over a new pet. With children out of school and many adults out of work, there are plenty of opportunities to start training and bonding with your new friend.
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Smooth the transition to the non-holiday season by establishing routines
Person in dog pet sweater in front of holiday tree.
When it comes to potty and crate training, structure and routine are extremely important for new pets. Being flexible but consistent also helps pets know they will get the food, water, exercise, play, and affection they need to thrive. Starting these routines during the holiday season makes it easier for pets to feel safe and acclimate to their new surroundings.
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It might be worth the wait for January
Tabby kitten explores Christmas tree decorations.
The holidays can be chaotic, so waiting until January to adopt a new pet could be a good solution. Consider how often guests come and go or if there are plans to travel or spend more time away from home. If so, it may cause another accident with a pet. stress this can be avoided by waiting for the new year to adopt.
This story originally appeared on Wag Labs, Inc. and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
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