Turner Veterinary Clinic News
Rethinking Pets for Presents
The thought of a cuddly puppy or kitten under the Christmas tree may be tempting, but think twice before giving a pet as a present. The months following the holidays are often the busiest time for shelters as new pet owners grow weary of their Christmas gifts and the unexpected demands they require. Some shelters estimate that 50 percent of pets given as gifts end up abandoned.
A pet should never be given on impulse or as a surprise. Pets require a commitment of time, energy and financial resources for their entire life. Those interested in owning a pet should carefully consider their decision and choose a pet who fits their lifestyle when the time is right.
Pets are not toys and can't be placed on a shelf once the novelty of the gift wears out. Children lack the skills and responsibility for a long-term commitment to a pet, and those tasks often fall to an adult caretaker. Teach children that bringing a pet into the home is a family decision that requires research and commitment. In addition to the time required to get a new pet situated to the family, the costs are estimated to be $1,000 to $2,000 in the first year, and that’s provided the new puppy or kitten doesn't get into any trouble that might require emergency care.
Unscrupulous puppy mills and pet stores will take advantage of the emotional draw of the holidays to market puppies and kittens for sale as pets. But taking a new pet home during the busy holiday season is stressful on both the pet and the new family and is a recipe for disaster. The holiday season and all of its trimmings present extra dangers to a pet. Bringing a new pet home requires extra time and attention on training and establishing routines, which the extra bustle of the holidays doesn’t often lend itself to providing.
If you're thinking about getting a pet, save the adoption for after Christmas and choose books and gifts that will help inform the decision instead. If you are certain the recipient is interested in getting a pet, consider paying for the pet's adoption fees ahead of time and allowing the gift receiver to choose the pet who best suits them after the holidays when the hustle and bustle has settled down and they can truly enjoy getting to know one another and create a life-long bond.
When you are ready to bring a pet into your home, we’ll be excited to meet him or her at Turner Veterinary Clinic! Call us at 269-962-9955 to make your first visit and get started off on a journey of pet wellness! Happy Holidays!
Image Credit:
AnatolyTiplyashin / iStock/ Getty Images Plus
Copyright © 2018 by Uhlig LLC. All rights reserved
Categories
Recent Posts
From October 13-19, 2024, we join veterinary clinics nationwide in celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week! These incredible individuals are the backbone of our clinic, working tirelessly to ensure every pet receives the care they need. If you’ve ever wondered just how our vet techs make a difference in the life of your pet, we’re here to shed some light on their remarkable work.
As a veterinary team, one of the most important conversations we have with pet parents is about pain. Unlike us, our pets can’t simply tell us when something hurts. They often mask their discomfort, making it difficult to recognize the early signs of pain. Whether your pet is growing older or experiencing an acute injury, understanding the subtle indicators of pain is one of the best things you can do as a pet owner to facilitate your pet’s overall wellbeing.
When was the last time your cat visited the vet? Cats are known for their independent and often aloof nature, which can sometimes lead to the misconception that they don’t require regular veterinary care. However, just like dogs, cats need routine checkups to ensure they live long, healthy lives.
Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and outdoor activities. However, while we enjoy the warm weather, we need to take extra precautions to ensure our pets stay safe and healthy. Read on for valuable tips on keeping your pets safe during the summer months, addressing critical aspects such as hydration, anxiety from loud noises, increased activity levels, and encounters with wildlife.
Among the various health risks that pets face, heartworm disease stands out as a particularly insidious threat. This disease can have devastating effects on your pet, and yet, it is preventable. This article will delve into heartworm disease and stress the importance of proactive prevention.