What is the best part of the holidays? Do you love receiving presents for friends and family? How about the delicious holiday food?
Whatever your favorite part is, most people can agree that the best part of the holidays is spending time with those they love.
Your pet becomes part of the family when you bring them home. Most people even buy their pets clothes or special treats for the holidays. But there are many pets who do not have a home for the holidays. Most adoption centers do their best to comfort their animals during the holiday season, but they could never provide the same affection that a loving home could.
This holiday, we encourage you to consider adopting a pet. Many centers even offer discounted rates to help get pets into homes for the holiday.
A Word of Caution
The adoption of a new pet is one of the best gifts you can give. It benefits your household and the pet being adopted.
Please be aware that the adoption of a new pet affects each person and animal who lives in your home. A new pet should never be brought in blind. You should always consult with your family first. While a “surprise” dog or cat seems like a great idea, if not well thought out, it can put undue stress on your family and the new pet.
Importance of Pet Adoption
Adopting pets benefits not only the animal, but you and your family. Not only has it been shown that a pet helps your physical and mental health, but you also help save a life.
By adopting an animal, you can watch a living breathing thing grow and thrive under your care. This also leads to an immense sense of fulfilment that is rarely felt otherwise.
Regardless of the life a shelter dog may have had, you know that they get a second chance at life when they are adopted into a loving home. They may have been abandoned, mistreated, or worse, but this animal gets a new lease on life when they come home with you.
Organizations for Pet Adoption
There are many organizations that you can investigate for adopting a new pet.
PetFinder
This online adoption resource lets you organize your search extremely well. You can search for dogs and cats based on their age, breed, and who they get along with. The pets are also organized by distance, so this can be a great resource to find even more available pets.
ASPCA
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can be another excellent resource on your search for a new pet. They have lots of information on what to do when taking your pet home and a database of pets available for adoption in your area. You can even receive a discount on fees when adopting through them.
Local Shelters
Many of the online adoption databases offer information and pictures of available pets, but nothing really beats going to meet a new pet in person. You can search for local animal shelters in your area, or even check in with your local vet to ask if they have resources or suggestions on reputable places for adoption.
How to Prepare Your Home
The first thing to do would be gather your supplies. If this is the first pet you are bringing into your home, be sure to anticipate everything you will need to take care of them. Food and water bowls, toys, and a leash should all be ready for your new pet’s arrival.
Make sure you have your rules and responsibilities thought out ahead of time. Where will the new pet sleep? Where is their space to relax? Are they allowed on the couch or in bed? These are all things you must consider and everyone in the house must agree to.
Make sure you meet your new pet where they are. Depending on the pet you bring home, they may already be house trained. They may need a helping hand in training as well. Remember that everything is new for your pet, so be patient and consistent. Soon they will be a regular part of the family.
The decision to bring a new pet into your home for the holidays is a big decision that should be made with all members of your family. With a little planning and some commitment, you can help save a life and grow your heart this holiday season.