Should we get a new pet for Christmas?

Most pet professionals recommend against getting a new pet at Christmas. Ultimately the decision is yours, but consider the following factors.

Do you have time for a new pet? A new pet, especially a young puppy, requires a lot of time initially. Puppies require constant supervision for potty training. They need to be taken out very frequently to eliminate. During the holidays, most households are very busy places, going to parties, taking trips, visiting with friends and family, having guests, and enjoying winter activities. These increased activities coupled with an already busy schedule means that many households have no one home for long periods during the day. In addition, puppies need socialization and basic behavior training classes. If this is not done at a very young age, bad habits and bad behavior develop. Behavior problems are the number one cause of euthanasia in the United States. Do you want your Christmas present to be surrendered to a shelter and/or euthanized in a year or two?

What species and breed of pet are best for your situation? Research the pet and breed you are considering. Will you be able to provide for the needs of your pet? Dogs require a lot of attention. Cats require attention, but can go longer without. Does the breed of dog or cat require high levels of activity? Lots of grooming? Is the breed especially smart and needs a job? Will the pet fit and is it allowed in your home or apartment?

Can you afford a new pet? New pets are expensive, especially young pets. A veterinarian should examine all new pets within a week of acquisition. Young pets generally need a series of vaccines and dewormings, antiparasitic

medications, spay/neuter, training classes, food, toys, leashes, litter boxes, food and water bowls, kennels, and grooming. This is on top of the purchase price. Many new pets have other health issues that need treatment. Many pets develop vomiting and/or diarrhea with the stress of moving, so cleaning costs must be considered. Over the life of the average pet, average annual expenses of about $1500 are accumulated.

Do you know what to expect as normal behavior for the pet and how to best train the pet? Puppies and kittens are generally very active. Chewing, barking, biting, and getting into everything are all normal behaviors. Puppies will have many accidents while going through house training. Do you know the best ways to reinforce the positive behaviors and not train for the inappropriate behaviors? It is usually necessary to make some changes in your lifestyle to cope with the pet’s normal behavior.

Have you given the decision enough thought? Bringing a new pet into your home is not a minor decision. You are making a commitment to the pet to provide it with a home for the rest of its life. For most dogs, this translates into 10-12 years, for cats around 13 years. What is your lifestyle now? What do you expect your lifestyle to be in 5 years? 10 years? Take advantage of the many resourses available. Talk to veterinarians, trainers and owners of pets similar to the one you are considering.

These are just some common issues to consider. Take a long hard look at your family and lifestyle situation. Make an informed and considered decision. It may be that a different time of year would work better for your household. Maybe getting a pet with the care demands you are considering would not be in your or the pet’s best interests. Being a responsible pet owner takes time, money, and a considerable amount of effort. A pet is not like a new toy that can be put in a closet for years and come out as good as new. A pet is a living creature that requires proper nutrition, social interaction, health care and shelter.

For further information about buying a new pet, please see the following websites:

American Kennel Club

www.purina.com

Humane Society of the United States

If you do get a new pet during the holidays, please have it seen by a veterinarian promptly. We spend a lot of time with new pet owners trying to get the relationship started on the right foot and trying to keep the pet healthy.

[Go Back]