By Dr. Johnathan Pierce
It’s the season for giving and we have a lot to celebrate. During this season of giving, remember to make a donation to your local animal shelter, and if you are considering adopting or fostering, please remember that a fur baby is a big responsibility, an investment in both time and money.
They require constant love and attention, training, food, water, vaccinations, regular health checkups, care and medications when sick and the list goes on. Pets are an emotional commitment as well as a financial commitment.
If you are thinking of giving or getting a pet, it’s a big lifestyle decision. Pets are not an object that you can leave in a room and forget about until you are ready to play with them. Whether adopting or purchasing a pet from a responsible breeder, neither should be thought of as a gift. There is always, no matter how much one knows a person, a question on whether the recipient is willing or ready to be a pet parent.
Consider other gift options for your loved one’s current pets, making a donation to a shelter of your choice in their honor, or even giving the gift of pet insurance for a loved one’s pet to help ease the financial burden. During the holidays, keep your pets safe from foods, plants and décor that can cause them harm. And if you are hosting a party, provide your cat or dog with a quiet room or crate during holiday parties and/or prepare ahead of time to discourage barking. Find more holiday pet safety tips here.
www.humanesociety.org/resources/holiday-safety-tips-pets
Happy Holidays Everyone! Island Life Animal Hospital Dr. Danielle Gallo & Dr. Johnathan Pierce 5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107 Saint Petersburg, FL 33715 727-289-3776 • islandlifeanimalhospital.vet