Adopting a dog during the holidays might seem like a heartwarming idea, but it’s often not recommended due to several factors that can overwhelm both the new pet and the household. The holiday season, with all its festivities and obligations, can create an environment that isn’t ideal for welcoming a new family member.
Stressful Environment
The holidays often come with a flurry of activity—visitors coming and going, gatherings, loud noises, and even strange decorations that can confuse or scare a pet. For a new dog, this sudden change in environment can be extremely overwhelming.
Dogs, especially those just getting accustomed to their new home, thrive in calm, predictable surroundings. During the holidays, the constant stream of guests and the chaos of celebrations can make it difficult for a new pet to adjust and feel safe.
Busy Schedule
Holiday schedules are often packed with events, whether it’s traveling to visit family, attending parties, or preparing meals. A new dog needs time, patience, and a stable routine to adjust properly to their new home.
The busyness of the holidays may prevent pet owners from providing the undivided attention and care that a newly adopted dog requires, such as training, socializing, and bonding.
Holiday Decorations
During the festive season, homes are often filled with decorations like candles, tinsel, and plants such as poinsettias or mistletoe, many of which can be hazardous to pets. A curious dog, especially one unfamiliar with its surroundings, may chew on ornaments, ingest harmful foods, or knock over decorations.
Holiday treats and gifts left within reach can also pose risks, as chocolates, certain nuts, and other festive foods can be toxic to pets. Managing these hazards while trying to settle in a new dog can be challenging.
Shelters are Already Overcrowded
Animal shelters are often overwhelmed during and after the holidays. Sadly, many animals are abandoned or surrendered due to various reasons, such as changes in family circumstances or the realization that caring for a pet is a bigger commitment than expected.
Shelters are already at capacity, making it harder to ensure proper care for animals during this time. Adding more adoptions to the mix might contribute to the strain, and if the adoption isn’t well thought out, it can lead to the animal being returned.
Animals are More Likely to be Returned
Adopting or gifting a pet during the holidays can also increase the likelihood of the animal being returned.
Some shelters report that pets given as surprise gifts are more likely to be surrendered because the recipients may not be fully prepared for the responsibilities of pet ownership.
The decision to bring a pet into the home should be one that everyone in the household is ready for, both emotionally and logistically.
It’s a Big Decision
Choosing to adopt a pet is a life-changing decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Pets are a long-term commitment, requiring time, resources, and care for many years.
The holidays can be distracting and stressful, and it might not be the best time to consider such an important decision.
Instead of rushing into adoption during a hectic period, it may be better to wait until after the holidays, when things are calmer, to carefully choose the right pet for your home.
An Alternative Idea
If you’re still keen on incorporating the spirit of adoption during the holidays, one thoughtful alternative is to create an “adoption kit” as a gift. This kit could include essentials like a leash, food bowls, toys, and a card explaining that the family will visit a shelter together after the holidays to find the perfect pet.
This allows for a more deliberate approach to adoption while also involving the whole family in the process, ensuring that everyone is on board and ready for the responsibility.
Ultimately, while the idea of adopting a dog during the holidays might seem appealing, waiting until after the festive rush to ensure a calm, welcoming environment can lead to a more successful and less stressful transition for both the new pet and the family.
