Happy holidays, TLDOM family. We hope that you are enjoying this beautiful season with your loved ones.  We couldn’t let this month go by without talking a little about gift-giving – pets in particular. Who doesn’t enjoy the Hallmark moment when the girl or kiddos get surprised with the cute little putty with a red bow around its neck? We want you to be prepared for life beyond the “movie moment.”  

Here's some insight on some things you should consider with your new gift. 

• Have you done your research? Different animals/breeds require specific components of care. You’ll need to know what foods are good for them, and what has the potential to be detrimental to their health. Is a new pet more susceptible to any health complications? What’s the animal’s personality type, and is that a good fit for its potential new family? 

• Scheduling – is there time to tend to a pet? Animals require quality time just like humans. You want to consider if there is capacity for that in your or your gift recipient’s life. Be realistic about this factor. Pets are more than just cuddles and giggles. They also need things like exercise and maintenance. Is there time for vet or grooming appointments? Can you dedicate the necessary time for cleanups? 

• Will the new pet mesh well with the current pets? Depending on the introduction and overall pet personality type, most animals should adjust well and get used to the change. There are also instances when your family pet may be hyper against sharing its family with a new animal. 

• Allergies! It’s important to know if there is a chance that anyone in the home has an animal allergy. 

• Vaccinations, fees, vets – being up to date with vaccinations should be a top priority.  Be sure to address any fees or licenses associated with the animal. Establishing a veterinarian is another major deal, be sure to find one that treats your particular animal but also know if they are an overall good fit. 

While adding a new pet to the home takes a lot of thinking, it’s also a special and exciting time once you deal with all the logistics. Pets are known to be therapeutic for families and individuals who need companionship. To lighten the load, you can always give This Lil Dog of Mine a call. Our team is available to assist with taking care of your animals. Contrary to the name, we have specialists equipped to tend to different animals. We are here to make you and your pet’s transitions smooth. The key is understanding that pets are a long-term commitment. Make sure that you and your family are ready before welcoming a new pet into your home.