The Best Gift You Can Give — Waiting To Adopt Until After The Holidays

This season, many shoppers will buy a dog or cat to give to a friend or loved one. Their motivations can be as varied as snowflakes. Some will purchase an animal on impulse, some because they are caught up in the spirit of the season, and some just because the pet looks so cute and/or lonely in the pet store or the cage at an animal shelter. None of them is the right reason to add a new pet to the family.
Adding a pet to the family is a serious, long-term commitment. This decision requires input from everyone who would be involved in caring for the animal.
Some things to consider: What type of pet would be most compatible with the family?Who would be the primary caregiver? How much will it cost to feed and provide veterinary care? Could someone in the family have allergies to pets?

Instead of buying a cat or dog as a gift, consider waiting to adopt a pet until after the holidays. You could create some excitement. Give a loved one a "gift certificate" from a local animal shelter. Put this in a box along with a picture of the pet or a stuffed animal representing the pet. You could also add to the box some pet supplies; such as bowls, a scratching post, a pet sweater, books on pet care, a pet collar, or an exercise wheel for a hamster.
Sometimes it is hard to introduce a new pet to the home during the holidays. It takes time for the new pet to feel comfortable in its new surroundings, especially if the pet has been living in a cage for some time. During the holidays there is much excitement in the home with all the activities that go with the holiday, and sometimes the pet may not receive the attention that they need. Many veterinarians report that they see several emergencies during the holidays; such as, pets ingesting tinsel, ribbons, turkey bones, chocolate, etc.

Waiting until after the holidays are over promotes a responsible adoption and then if your loved one decides they are indeed willing and able to adopt a pet, bring them to your local animal shelter where they can adopt a new friend.

http://www.washingtonpashelter.org/Holidays.htm