If you are like us, all days are happy golden days! We LOVE Our Golden Guys! But pet ownership is something to be taken seriously! If you can't take care of them for 15 years, you may want to consider adopting an older rescue dog. This is a pretty awesome thing to do. And it may not be the best thing to surprise a person with a new pet this Christmas. They may love animals, but not want one. And if they do, they may want to choose their own. We talk about this below. Please take adoption and/or getting a puppy or your pet seriously! Here are some pros and cons of getting a pet for the holidays:
Pros of Getting a Dog or Cat for the Holidays
More Time to Dedicate to a New Pet
One of the biggest pros to bringing a new pet into your family around the holidays is that, generally speaking, people have more time off from work and/or school. So as long as you aren't traveling, and don't have a bunch of company coming to stay with you, there is more time to shop for supplies, start forming strong bonds, get going on training, and of course, continue their socialization.
It Gets the Whole Family Involved
The holidays present a great time to positively introduce pet ownership and the responsibility that entails. It's such a common motivating factor for people getting pets at the holidays. They've got kids and the kids have been asking for them for a while and you know, the kids have achieved whatever milestone, their grades were good or they saved up, or whatever it is.
Instead of gifting the actual dog or cat on Christmas, print out a certificate and include it in a gift basket that has some supplies they'll need for caring for their new pet. This way they can take some time to prepare for their responsibilities and, even more importantly, be involved in choosing the new dog or cat!
Cons of Getting a Dog or Cat for the Holidays
Show Me the Money!
You know that saying about nothing in life being free? Well, when it comes to animals, no truer words have been said. Much like a human family member, animals have a lot of costs involved, including but not limited to food, vet visits, toys, collars, grooming supplies, etc.
The holidays are a time when many of our wallets are already stretched thin, so it is very important to take a good look at your financial situation ahead of time and then determine whether now is the right time to get a pet.
Less Time Available
One of the biggest cons to getting a pet at the holidays is not fully evaluating the amount of time you have available, not just at the holidays but also going forward. It's really important to have a good sense of how your schedule will be impacted while raising a new cat, dog, puppy, or kitten once the holidays are over with.
And if you have children, even if the dog or cat is technically their responsibility, it is still YOUR responsibility, and you have to be ok with that up front.
Holiday Travel Plans
The first few months with your dog or cat are incredibly important for establishing bonds, routines, and house rules. If you have upcoming travel plans, it may not be the best time to bring a pet home. Wait until you have an extended period of time at home in your regular routine to bring home a new pet. This will help them settle in and make the often stressful transition period easier.
Chilly Potty Training
If you live in a colder climate and are getting a dog that needs potty training, be prepared for late nights, early mornings, and invest in a good flashlight, and a warm coat and boots for you and your dog. Some dogs really don't enjoy being outdoors in the cold, which can make house training take longer than usual and sometimes these dogs will have accidents inside. Be prepared for a consistent potty training schedule that might include frequent chilly forays outdoors, or consider training your dog to use potty pads.
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