Dog Tip of the Day

Holding Off on Pets as Presents

As holiday shopping begins in earnest today, American Humane is suggesting that giftgivers hold off on the decision to buy a pet until after the holidays. "There are millions of animals at local shelters that need homes. However, giving a pet as a surprise gift is never a good idea, especially during the holidays," says American Humane president and CEO Marie Belew Wheatley. "The holidays are stressful for everyone, including animals. By surprising people with a pet, you are assuming they have the financial, emotional and time resources necessary to care for an animal, as well as the desire to care for a living being for the long term."

Some tips from American Humane:

• The choice of a pet should be made by the person who will be taking care of the pet.
• A pet can overwhelm a family, especially when it is a surprise.
• Before purchasing or adopting a pet, educate yourself on the breeds as well as how to give an animal a good home and the long-term commitment of owning a pet.
  
• The holidays are just too hectic for a new pet; a calmer time of year is a wiser choice to bring a pet in to into the home. children can confuse proper treatment of an animal with the excitement of new toys. Pets need a calm, safe place where they can feel comfortable and begin to acclimate to their new surroundings.
• The irregular schedules during the holidays can make families miss out on the best opportunity to train a young pet.
• If you're set on a pet as a gift, as a local shelter for a gift certificate so the family can make the best decision about the breed, age and size of the pet during a calmer time of the year.

Labels: holidays

posted by Paris and John @ 10:34 AM