Begging for a puppy under the tree

As Christmas fast approaches, someone in your house (likely someone little!) may be begging you for a puppy or kitten to be under the tree Christmas morning.

Deciding whether to fulfill this wish or not is a decision which requires a lot of thought. There is a big commitment involved with adopting a new pet, both time-wise and financially. Consider whether your child's promises of cleaning the litterbox daily or doing all the poop-scooping in the yard are being made by a child old enough to be this responsible a month down the road.

If you have decided to get a pet as a gift, do your research before making a decision. If you live in an apartment building, a very active breed such as a border collie may not be the right choice for you. Do you mind a dog that sheds a lot of fur? Will a puppy that ends up being a 100-pound dog fit in your house? Do you want a kitten or an adult cat to join your family? Then, keep in mind that Christmas morning is often busy and hectic, which makes it a poor time to introduce a new pet to the home. Any pet will be stressed by coming to a new home so you want to make it the easiest transition possible.

A day when the kids are excited by presents, you're trying to cook a turkey dinner and guests are coming over means you probably won't have the time to give a new pet the attention it deserves. A new pet won't know where its food or water are and new puppies likely need housetraining, so will need frequent trips outside. Plus, your new pet and family need time to bond with each other and the holiday season may be too busy with visiting family and friends.