By Brianna Hansen
It happens every year … as soon as the holiday lights go up, so does the number of people adopting or buying pets. And who hasn’t pictured that classic scene? A wide-eyed puppy with a giant red bow, kids shrieking with joy … It’s the stuff of holiday movies, but real life is a little more complicated.
While shelters do see a heartwarming surge of animals going home in December, they also brace for something far less merry: the wave that comes after the holidays. Each January, returns and surrender requests spike as families realize their new furry addition wasn’t quite the right fit, or perhaps not even expected at all.
So before you make the leap, here are a few things worth considering.
First: pets aren’t presents. It’s tempting to imagine the magic of gifting someone a kitten or puppy, but if the recipient isn’t prepared, that “gift” can quickly turn into stress, guilt, or even a heartbreaking return. Pets should never be a surprise. If you want to start the journey together, consider gifting a stuffed animal with a note promising to cover the adoption fee once they’re ready to choose a pet with you.
Second: lifestyle matters more than looks. Before bringing home a new companion, consider your day-to-day life. Are you active and outdoorsy? A high-energy dog might thrive with you. Prefer quiet days at home? A laid-back cat or a senior pet could be your perfect match. Think about work schedules, housing restrictions, energy levels, allergies, kids, travel … those less glamorous details are what truly determine long-term success!
Third: prepare for the basics. A pet is a life-long commitment and every new dog or cat needs essentials: nutritious food, exercise, a cozy bed, toys and a routine for enrichment, grooming supplies, and a plan for routine veterinary care. Puppies and kittens, in particular, need vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, training, and plenty of patience.
Humane Animal Partners can help keep that part affordable. Every adoptable animal has been fixed and brought fully up-to-date on necessary vaccinations. They also offer low-cost vaccine and wellness services year-round, making it easier for families to stay on top of preventative care like distemper, rabies, microchipping, parasite prevention, and more. It’s a great way to start your new pet off on the right paw without stretching your holiday budget.
Finally: remember that timing matters. If now isn’t the right time, that’s totally okay. Shelters are full of incredible animals all year long, and they’re more than happy to help you find the perfect match when life settles down.
This holiday season, give yourself (and any future pet) the gift of thoughtful planning. A little preparation now leads to a happier, healthier, long-lasting relationship in the long run.
– Look for the this month’s Humane Animal Partners (HAP) sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka featured adoptable pets in the print version of this month’s issue, linked here.
