The Holiday Pet Question: A Gift That Deserves Careful Thought

Few moments are as heartwarming as witnessing a child's delight on Christmas morning, especially when a new puppy is part of the surprise.

While pets can bring immense joy, animal experts advise that gifting a pet during the holidays requires careful consideration.

Why a Surprise Pet Can Be Tricky

A Long-Term Commitment: Pets are loving companions, but they also require daily care, attention, and commitment for many years, often well beyond the holiday season.

Busy Family Schedules: School, work, travel, and housing situations can make it difficult to meet a pet’s needs for exercise, training, and companionship.

Ongoing Costs: Food, routine vet visits, supplies, and unexpected medical care can add up quickly.

Holiday Excitement vs. Everyday Life: Once the decorations come down, pets still need walks, feedings, and care every day.

Shelter Concerns: Sadly, pets given as surprises are more likely to be surrendered when families realize they weren’t fully prepared.

When a Pet Gift Can Be a Wonderful Choice

Family Agreement: If everyone in the household has talked it through and is excited about sharing the responsibility.

Positive Benefits: Pets can encourage activity, reduce stress, and bring families closer together.

Learning Responsibility: With guidance from adults, children can learn kindness, patience, and responsibility.

No Surprises: The future pet parent has clearly expressed interest and helped choose the right pet for their home.

A Thoughtful Way to Celebrate

Choose Together: Visit shelters or breeders as a family so everyone feels confident about the pet’s personality and needs.

Plan Ahead: Talk about training, schedules, and costs before bringing a pet home.

Consider Creative Alternatives: Wrap up a “future pet” gift, like toys, a leash, or a gift certificate to a local shelter, so the pet can be chosen after the holidays, when life is a little calmer.

Pets are more than presents; they’re new family members.

With a little planning and a lot of love, families can make sure the joy of welcoming a pet lasts long after the holidays are over.

Local Holiday Pet Adoption Events

For those considering adding a furry friend to their family, several local events offer opportunities to meet adoptable pets:

Both the Lynn Haven Animal Shelter and Bay County animal shelters told us that this year was particularly difficult with the number of surrenders and strays they received. The Bay County Shelter asked that people who are considering giving up their pet give them a call first and discuss options.

The Bay County Animal Shelter is hosting a Christmas promotion, waiving adoption fees for those who bring an unwrapped toy for kids or pet food and toys.

Bay County Animal Control 
Address: 6401 Bay Line Dr, Panama City, FL 32404
Phone: 850-767-3333
Hours:
Monday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday & Sunday: Closed
Closed daily for lunch from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Website: More information and a list of adoptable animals are available on the  Bay County Animal Control website. 

Lynn Haven Animal Control 
Address: 1750 Recreation Dr, Lynn Haven, FL 32444
Phone: 850-265-4699
Hours:
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed (reclaims only Monday 9 a.m. - Noon)
Website: For details on services and adoptable pets, visit the City of Lynn Haven Animal Control website. 

Remember, adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment that brings joy and responsibility.

Make sure your family is ready to provide a loving home beyond the holiday season.