Should your family adopt a pet this holiday season? Here's what to consider.
In an iconic Disney scene, a woman opens a gift from her husband. It's a pink striped box… maybe a new hat?
When she removes the lid, however, she's treated to an adorable Cocker Spaniel adorned in an oversized bow. The couple names her Lady. After Lady found her home, she stayed with her humans — even convincing them to bring in her boyfriend from the streets — as their family grew.
But how do you decide if it's the right time to put a dog or cat under your Christmas tree?
Let's be clear: Pets are awesome and better than humans. If you have the means and don't have allergies, you need at least one. But it's also a huge investment and a big decision that you should talk out (and maybe don't stuff the animal in a box).
How to decide if you should adopt a dog or cat
Below are a few things you should think about before you head to the shelter.
Consider the cost. The American Kennel Club has estimated that throughout its lifetime, a dog can cost around $15,000. Consider expenses such as routine veterinary care, fees charged by your landlord, flea and tick medication, food and other supplies you'll need to work into your monthly budget. If it's too overwhelming, consider adopting an older pet who needs a home to live out the rest of their days (senior adoptions at the Indy Humane Society are reduced to $50 during November).
Consider your lifestyle. Does it allow you to care for the pet?
Do you have the time? Can you care for this animal for the rest of their life?
Do you have the space? Can you house the animal humanely and meet their exercise needs?
The rewards of bringing home a pet
Colleen Walker, who works as marketing and PR coordinator for the Indianapolis Humane Society, said her own experience adopting a senior dog showed her just how rewarding it can be. She said she once adopted a 12-year-old dog that was living in the break room of a rescue.
"The best thing about having her, that I didn’t realize would happen, was that I saw her de-age," she wrote in an email. "She went from having terrible pain in her limbs due to arthritis to being properly medicated and comfortable in her surroundings that she was able to play and even jump!"
It's not just about acquiring a pet, she said — it's changing a life, and bringing joy and comfort to the humans in the home. "I think they just offer a great stress relief and an endless source of love," Walker said.
Ready to adopt a pet this holiday season?
You can visit the links below to find adoptable pets in the Indianapolis area.
Not ready for a full-time pet? You can still help
The Indianapolis Humane Society wants all of their dogs and cats to have a home for the holidays, but it isn't always possible. With their Home for the Holidays campaign, the nonprofit hopes to find foster homes for animals during the season. You can also donate to help with this effort.
"For people who have time off over the holidays, but don't always have time for an animal, this is a great way to help out and give a shelter animal a break," Walker said.
Contact digital producer Jenny Porter Tilley at jtilley@gannett.com or follow her on X @jennylynne.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pet adoption at the holidays: What you should consider
