Handling Pets as Gifts

As Christmas gets closer, CMHS gets a number of adopters looking to welcome a new pet into their family as a gift for their child or loved one. While we are always glad to help families adopt a new member, there are a few things to consider before giving that gift at Christmas:

A Busy and Stressful Time of Year
Often, the holidays involve either travel or visitors, both of which can be stressful for the humans. Bringing a pet into your home at this time not only adds additional stress for the humans, it is also extremely stressful for the animal! A house full of visitors may be overwhelming for a pet in transition, and traveling from house to house will cause confusion. Additionally, getting your new pet on a schedule is extremely important for house training. Bringing your pet home when you're able to keep to your normal routine is best.

Holiday Dangers
There are a number of holiday staples that can be dangerous to pets. Chocolate treats, poinsettia plants, tinsel, and even the chords of Christmas lights can be mistaken for food or chew toys to a new puppy or kitten. In all the excitement of gift opening and entertaining, it can be difficult to monitor exactly where your new pet is and what they may be eating!

Selecting Your Pet
When adopting as a gift for a child or loved one, the animal you think they may like may not be their ideal pet. The type of animal they want and are able to take responsibility for is one that should be discussed as a family - it is important to decide who will be responsible for feeding, exercising and cleaning up after the pet before the animal comes into your home. Additionally, most children coming into CMHS love the opportunity to select exactly which animal they want to take home. It also minimizes the chance that you will have to return the animal if every family member is on board with the decision.

If your child truly wants a pet for Christmas, there are ways to minimize the stress to you and the animal, and make sure the transition from shelter life to your home goes smoothly:

• CMHS provides gift certificates for adoption. You are able to come in, fill out an application and be fully approved before the holiday, then provide your child with a certificate to adopt. You can then bring your family in to the shelter to select a pet once the hustle and bustle of the holidays has passed.
• You can prepare your child for pet ownership by purchasing supplies for your pet as their gift. Unwrapping a leash and collar won't be quite as exciting as receiving the actual pet, but it will let them know that they are able to go pick out their dog or cat very soon! You can also include books on dog or cat care, treats, toys, etc. to wrap and set under the tree
• CMHS is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but coming right as we open on Monday will allow your child to select a pet and spend some time with him or her before going back to school the following week! This will give your family a chance to establish a schedule and routine for the pet to follow so everyone is on board by the time school begins again.

If your family prepares well, you can bring a pet home this time of year. Please contact CMHS if you have any questions about making a successful transition!