Getting a Pet for Christmas

Introduction

The holidays are a great time to get a new pet. You can go to the local shelter and adopt an animal who needs a home, or head to your favorite pet store and choose from all the beautiful animals on display there. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it depends on what kind of experience you want and how much time you have to devote to caring for this new addition.

Should you get a pet for Christmas

Pets are not just good companions. They also provide stress relief, promote physical health and help kids learn empathy. If you don’t already have a pet, Christmas is an excellent time to get one because the whole family will be home and can help take care of it.

A study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found that pet owners have lower blood pressure than non-pet owners and are 40 percent less likely to have heart disease or stroke. Studies have also shown that interacting with animals helps people cope with mental illness, social isolation, and loneliness.

The benefits don’t stop there: Pets can be beneficial for children who need extra support in school or at home — including those who live in households where domestic violence is present — since many children with abusive parents have post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of having been abused themselves or witnessing abuse against their caregiver(s).

Why you probably should not get a pet for Christmas

Pets are not gifts for Christmas. Your friends or family won’t appreciate receiving a furry friend as their present from under the tree (they might even be allergic). It’s better to ask them what kind of pet they want instead of giving them one without asking first!

What you should avoid when getting a Pet

Exotic animal: If you have a pet store in your neighborhood, they will probably carry exotic animals. Do not buy an exotic animal! They are costly to care for.

Impulse purchase: Don’t buy a pet on impulse! You will regret it later. If you’re considering getting a pet, talk with your family first and make sure everyone is on board with owning one.

Adopting from a Shelter

Adopting one from a shelter is an excellent option if you’re looking for a pet. The vast majority of animals at shelters are friendly and socialized. They’ve been raised in homes with children and other pets, so they’re used to being around people and can get along well with other animals. Many shelters also offer training classes or meetups to help new owners get their new furry friends acclimated to their homes.

Before adopting an animal from a shelter, it’s also important to consider the following:

• What kind of personality would best suit our family?
• What type of energy level should this animal have?
• Is there anything else we need to do before bringing home our new family member?

You should also choose a pet that is easy to care for. You don’t want to spend any more time than necessary cleaning up after your new friend, so look for one that doesn’t shed much or at all (e.g., cats over dogs). Also think about whether or not the animal will need frequent trips to the vet and how much food it eats in a day—you’ll want those expenses taken into consideration when making your final decision on what kind of animal would best fit with your lifestyle.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember is that pets aren’t Christmas presents, they’re living creatures that will depend on your love and care for the rest of their lives. So before you go out and bring a new pet into your family’s life, make sure everyone’s ready for it.