Christmas is a popular time for people to adopt dogs, and many of those dogs may be given to someone as a gift. It is important to consider several practical issues before making the decision to adopt a dog during the holidays or any other season.
Consider the Cost of a Dog Before Giving One as a Gift
Many people may only consider the initial cost of adopting a dog, and some initial charges are not repeated on a regular basis, but it is important to consider the long-term care costs associated with a dog. PetFinder’s online article “Estimated Yearly Costs of Pet Ownership,” by Stephen Zawistowski, indicates that dog owners may expect to pay an average of $780 to $1500 per year, depending on the size of dog and the type of supplies and services desired.
Whether people are looking for a dog specifically bred to their specifications, searching for dogs at the Humane Society or animal shelter, or scanning an ad offering a dog to a good home, quite a few costs are associated with owning a dog. In addition to the initial fee for adoption, all dogs need food, water and basic veterinary care while many dogs need vaccinations, spaying/neutering, flea/tick preventives, heartworm preventives, a microchip, training classes, and a variety of home supplies such as a brush, training crate, treats, leash, collar, toys, and more. Some dogs may need costly veterinarian services for illnesses or supplies for special needs.
Consider the Long-Term Time Commitment of Having a Dog
Many breeds of dogs live ten to fifteen years or longer and involve a significant investment in time and resources. Grooming time varies greatly depending on the breed and size. Training a dog can be time-consuming and varies according to the age and temperament of the dog, but it can be a great investment for the future. Most dogs tend to be social animals and crave interaction with others, so a person’s lifestyle may help determine the best timing for adopting a dog.
Some people may find it helpful to interact with dogs by volunteering at a shelter or veterinarian's office, offering dog sitting services, training service dogs, or other short-term arrangements before making the decision to permanently place one in the home.
Finding the Best Match for Owner and Dog at Christmas Time
Surprising someone with a dog as a Christmas gift might lead to a whole host of problems down the road. Researching different dog breeds, ages, and being able to recognize different temperaments in dogs is quite helpful in making sure that the dog will have a forever home rather than regretting the decision after the adoption. PetFinder is a great resource for someone who is considering adopting an animal. It is important for the family and dog to have the chance to interact before a decision is made to ensure that personalities do not clash.
The Christmas season is often the busiest time of the year. Adopting a dog after the big day might be helpful when stress levels may be lower and people in the household may have more time to research what type of dog would best suit the household lifestyle. A dog adopted after Christmas might enable the new owner to provide more companionship and training initially, which could lead to a smoother transition for everyone, including the new pet.
Tips for Selecting a Dog for Christmas
A dog can be a wonderful addition to a family at any time of the year, but the choice to place the animal in the home at Christmas should include careful preparation. Anticipating the immediate and long-term costs, realistically researching dog breeds and looking for temperament clues can help prospective dog owners to make the best decision for everyone involved.
Readers may also be interested in reading:
- Pros and Cons of Adopting a Shelter Dog looks at the positive and negative aspects of getting an animal from the dog pound.
- Four-Legged Animals at the Lazy 5 Ranch, N.C. describes several native and exotic animals at a unique animal safari.
- How to Avoid a Holiday E-Card Scam gives practical information before opening an email card at Christmas or other holiday seasons.
- Common Causes of Dysfunction During the Holidays takes a practical look at this common problem with ideas for avoiding a holiday hullabaloo.
- Fun Ways to Wrap a Gift Card offers unusual ways to present this versatile gift. Some animal shelters offer gift card options.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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