Adding A Pet To Your Family During The Holiday Season

12/22/04

Adopting an animal any time of the year requires careful consideration. Whether you adopt a gerbil or a dog, it is important to match the animal with your lifestyle and expectations for a pet. The Humane Society of Boulder Valley has many dogs, cats and small mammals available for adoption. If you are considering adopting during the holiday season consider these questions:

• Will you be home to successfully transition your animal into the household?
• Is your entire family supportive of adopting a pet? Parents must take the ultimate responsibility for the animal's well being.
• If you are considering giving a pet as a gift, have you discussed it first with the new guardian?
• Can you commit to a pet for his/her lifetime? A cat or dog can live 18 years or longer.
• Have you budgeted for annual veterinary care, food, supplies and emergencies? On average the cost for a pet is $300-$400 per year if there are no emergency health issues.

"When an animal is adopted from HSBV, our goal is to match the animal and person based on the needs of the pet and the expectations of the guardian. An active dog with an active person etc;" McHugh-Smith explained, "adoptions are not discouraged during the holidays. Many people have time off during the holidays that allows them the opportunity to be at home with a new pet. The adopter can bond with the animal and start training. If you are going away or expect a houseful of company, the adoption should wait until you have time to focus on the animal." says McHugh-Smith.

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley offers adoption gift certificates and pet toys for people who want to give pets as a gift as a safe alternative to a puppy under the Christmas tree.

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley is a community-supported, open-door animal shelter that provides housing, medical care and behavioral rehabilitation to more than 7,800 animals annually. Its programs are inspired by an overall goal of promoting human-animal bonding and finding loving homes for every animal. The Humane Society of Boulder Valley is open for adoptions seven days a week at 2323 55th Street. For additional information, visit www.boulderhumane.org or call (303) 442-4030.