Holiday Pet Adoption Considerations

Are you considering adding a new furry (or feathered or scaly!) family member this holiday season? Are you planning on giving a pet as a gift to a loved one or friend? As fun as a new companion might sound, it’s extremely important to carefully consider the time and money involved in taking on a living creature. If you’re prepared for that level of commitment, it’s also important to understand that adjusting to a new home takes time for all animals. If you’ll be having company during the holidays, it may not be the best time to welcome a new family member. Strangers and changes in routine can be very stressful to animals who are already adapting to new surroundings, relationships with people and other animals, diets, etc. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a pet to adapt to all of the aspects of a new living situation. If pets are already present in your home, take the time to introduce them to a new pet gradually and safely. Here are some great articles on the first month with a new cat or dog, as well as tips on how to properly introduce pets to one another.
First 30 days with new dog: https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/tips-for-first-30-days-dog/
First 30 days with cat: https://www.petfinder.com/cats/bringing-a-cat-home/tips-for-first-30-days-cat/
Introducing a new cat: http:/veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/adding-another-cat-isnt-piece-cake
Introducing a new dog: http://www.petmd.com/dog/training/evr_introducing_a_new_dog_to_a_resident_dog