Christmas is a hectic time of cooking, having guests, excited kids for several days starting mid December until after the 25Th. This is not an ideal time to get a pet.
1. This is not your normal routine. There are guests coming and going, the door opening constantly - who is going to watch out for the new puppy or kitten to make sure it doesn't run out the door and get lost? Who is going to make sure the dog goes out on a regular basis so that it doesn't plant it's own present under the tree.
In addition to it not being your normal routine, all this excitement can be scary for a baby animal or an animal that has a soft disposition.
2. All the fatty and chocolaty goodies are not good for your new pet and if things aren't watched carefully, your new pet could find itself very sick. Chocolate is not good for dogs but also bones, raisins, onions, etc. Poisonous plants abound this time of year too.
3. Are you sure that this particular pet is exactly what your loved one wants? Maybe their wanting a dog or cat was a passing thought. Regardless, this is a 10-15 year commitment, and most people would want to pick out their own companion. This pet will be with them for a long time and they should take part in the decision.
Will the excitement of this pet rub off after the holiday and the dog/cat be no longer wanted? When it is no longer cute and is a rambunctious teenager will it end up at the pound? Hundreds of pets are relinquished at shelters in January/February because the families weren't prepared to add a pet to their lives at Christmas time.
Animals are a big deal and they can be very limiting, care always has to be considered. You can't just run off for a weekend without considering who is going to feed and care for the pet. Getting a pet is a life changing event, consider all of the options before you get one.
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