Pets Don’t Make Great Christmas Gifts

 The holiday season is stressful on all of us. But it could be particularly stressful for your new pet.

The holiday season is a hectic time of year, with numerous visits from family and friends the house is always filled with holiday excitement. For a new pet, who doesn’t quite understand the holiday, this situation can be extremely frightening.

"Holidays and pets, fun time for families can be a stressful time for your pet," said Jody Murray, Executive Director of The Animal Shelter Society. "Make sure you’re putting leftovers away and make sure you’re keeping your decorations safe for your pets. Be careful of the cold weather, things like that."

Animals need special attention when they are moved into a new environment. With all of the excitement Christmas Day brings they can, unfortunately, be forgotten among the new toys and games. Also to ensure a good match it is extremely important for the owner to be involved in the pet selection process.

"I think the biggest thing first of all, picking out a pet needs to be a very personal thing. As you walk through the shelter here there’s going to be some animals that just tug on your heart and you make a bond with," said Murray.

Pets do make wonderful fury companions, just be sure that you are prepared for a long term commitment to your animal before you take them home.