A Home for the Holidays

You may have heard the phrase "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas". That is as true today as it was when the slogan was coined 40 years ago. However, that doesn't mean the holidays are not a good time to add a dog or cat or small animal to your family. What? Am I suggesting that adopting a pet for Christmas is a good idea? I guess I am.

The prevailing view for many years has been that the holiday season is not an ideal time to bring a new pet into your home and certainly not as a gift; but things change, views evolve and more and more animal welfare organizations are trying to remove barriers to adoption and choosing to promote this time of year as a good time to add a furry friend to your family. An example of this is the San Francisco SPCA who partnered with Macy's Department Store to showcase some of their adoptable animals by placing them in specially designed window displays during the holiday season. Some organizations even offer a pet delivery service, acting as elves to surprise family members on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning with a very special gift.
Why Christmas? For a lot of people the holiday season is a time when the whole family is home together; children are off school, adults have more time away from work which can afford you more time with your new pet to bond and help them transition into their new home and family. Of course it can also be a busy time in your home with extra visitors and excited children, so it is wise to plan ahead to keep your pet (new or established) safe and comfortable during this hectic time.
Here are a few suggestions:

• Have a quiet place for them to retreat to if the bustle of the house is overwhelming; maybe they will even let you join them if you need some quiet time for yourself.
• Be cautious with festive plants such as mistletoe, holly or lilies, all of which can be harmful to pets. Even the ubiquitous Christmas tree can be a hazard. Make sure it's secure in case that playful kitten decides to climb it and forgo the tinsel and glass ornaments in favour of more pet friendly decorations.
• Plates of sweets or leftovers may be easily accessible and if your dogs are anything like mine they can smell chocolate a mile away even if it's wrapped and under the tree. Protect their digestive systems and save yourself a trip to the vet by keeping people food and medications out of reach.

No matter what time of year, the decision to adopt a pet should always be taken seriously and discussed and agreed upon by all members of the family. With a little bit of planning and preparation this holiday season might be the perfect time to adopt a pet and I know just where you can find one!