The holidays are coming up, bringing with them a wide variety of presents—robots, dolls, clothes and even pets like dogs, cats, and bunnies, which are often gifted to children during the festive season. Heartwarming internet videos of children waking up on Christmas morning to a furry friend wrapped in a big bow might inspire you to the same. However, many of these pet are given back to shelters or abandoned by January
There are many pros and cons of introducing an animal to your home during the holidays. Adopting an animal can bring joy and happiness to a family during this festive time and can make for a memorable experience. During the holiday season kids often have a break from school and can become a great period for integrating the pet into your home and encourage responsibility from children. Adoptions also help free space in animal shelters for other animals in need.
That being said, bringing a pet into your home can add on extra stress on top of planning and attending holiday events. This also gives stress to the pets, as animals need a calm and stable environment to adjust. There are many safety concerns that need to be addressed in your home, especially during the holidays. Things like tinsel, ribbons, ornaments and food can cause harm and sometimes death to your pet.
Sophomore Katelyn Remez says, “During the holidays you’re in the mood [for a pet]…you feel the want to have all these things. When the holidays are over you see this animal…and you have to take care of it and it changes your whole perspective”. Oftentimes, the novelty wears off and the holidays end which can lead to neglect as people become busier and children lose interest. When this happens, pets find themselves returned to the already crowded animal shelters or on the streets.
Before adopting your pet, you should consider that pets are a life-time commitment. Remez thinks, “If it’s someone who won’t be able to care for the animal then it’s not right [to have a pet as a holiday present]”. Most pets would need a commitment of up to 20 years. Especially if they are kids, they might not be able to adjust and accommodate to the responsibilities of a pet. To take care of an animal, you need to be able to provide a balanced diet, a suitable environment, costly vet visits, time to play and train.
While getting a pet during the holidays can bring joy and companionship, it is important to weigh both the novelty and long-term responsibilities that come with owning a pet. By carefully considering both the pros and cons, you can make the best decision for both you and the animal even long after the holiday season is over.
