A Home for the Holidays
What could be cuter than the image of your child waking up on Christmas morning to a furry little puppy or a sweet cuddly kitten with a red bow? It would be a very special memory; with some fore thought and a sincere commitment, pets can be a wonderful gift to give your family.
Pets are great companions for children but they require a lot of care. Are you and your family ready for that kind of commitment? Carefully consider if the timing is right. For many families time off from work or school during the holidays can give the new owner and pet a chance to bond and establish a routine.
However, we all know how hectic the holidays can be. Prior to adopting, teach your children about pet ownership and make sure that everyone in the family is ready for the changes a new pet will bring to the household.
Be sure to do your research before you get a pet! You need to see if your lifestyle and home will fit a potential pet’s needs, for example: If you live in a small house or apartment, don’t get a dog that requires a lot of room and space.
If you live in Northern Virginia, consider adopting a pet from a local animal shelter. Northern Virginia shelter pets often come with shots, a microchip, and are sometimes already spayed or neutered. Plus, you can provide a loving home to a previously abandoned or neglected pet.
If you are still unsure, there are many Northern Virginia shelters that offer to foster families interested in adopting; this is a great way to see how having a pet will work in your home, and to observe how the pet will react to a new household. It’s a great feeling to know you could possibly save a shelter dog or cat’s life!
Before you decide to surprise your family with a new pet for the holidays, take into consideration the following questions to determine if your family is ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet:
The cost of having a pet?
Are your children mature enough and are they ready to handle the responsibility? (There will be lots of dog walking activities!)
Are you educated about the pet that will work for your family?
Is your family ready for the time commitment?
In addition, here are some reasons why we all love pets:
A pet provides wonderful companionship.
It’s proven that having a pet will inspire us to get out and get exercise; dog walking is great exercise!
Pets are great for home protection (and for alarm clocks)!
Pets give unconditional love; for those who are lonely, pet ownership can change that.
Socialization: Get all your dog walking friends and spend time together enjoying the outdoors!In addition, here are some reasons why we all love pets.
A pet provides wonderful companionship. It’s proven that having a pet will inspire us to get out and get exercise; dog walking is great exercise!
Pets are great for home protection (and for alarm clocks)!• Pets give unconditional love; for those who are lonely, pet ownership can change that.
Socialization: Get all your dog walking friends and spend time together enjoying the outdoors!
During the Holidays, the family can provide more time to focus on the pet. If the whole family gets involved in researching the perfect pet, you and your family will end up with a best friend and companion for life!
Becky O'Neil is a pet expert and owner of Becky's Pet Care a professional pet sitting and dog walking services provider in the Northern Virginia area.