A kitten with a bow or a puppy under the tree sounds like a heartwarming holiday moment, but pet adoption during the holidays should never be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Clarksburg Animal Hospital has seen people who got swept up in the excitement of the season without realizing the lifelong responsibility that comes with adding a pet to the family. Before you decide to adopt this December, it’s worth pausing to make sure it’s the right time (and the right decision) for everyone involved.
Pets Aren’t Presents; They’re Family
Unlike toys or gadgets, pets aren’t meant to be returnable. They are a responsibility that will require daily care, training, and attention for the next 10–20 years. Cats and dogs can also be expensive. The first year of dog ownership in 2025 is estimated to cost $4,516. Even with the best intentions, holiday adoptions can lead to pet surrender when families realize they weren’t ready for the commitment.
Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Pet
- Are you, your partner, and/or your children truly ready for the responsibility of a pet?
- Do you have time every day for feeding, walks, play, and vet visits?
- Can you afford routine care, emergency costs, and supplies long term?
- Is your living space appropriate for a pet, both now and in the future?
- Will your lifestyle, now and aspirations for the future, be right for a pet?
- Are you adopting for the right reasons?
The Holiday Season Isn’t Ideal for Transitioning Pets
The chaos of guests, noise, travel, and decorations can be overwhelming for a new pet. Adjusting to a new home takes time, and the holidays don’t always offer the calm, consistent routine they need to settle in comfortably.
If you’re serious about adoption, consider waiting until after the holidays, when your household is quieter, and everyone can give the pet the attention and patience they deserve.
Safer Alternatives to Surprise Pet Gifting
Want to gift the idea of a pet without rushing the process? Try this instead:
- Wrap a leash, collar, or pet supply with a note about adopting in the New Year
- Plan a shelter visit as a family after the holidays
- Sponsor an adoption or make a donation to a local animal rescue in a loved one’s name
These thoughtful gestures allow for planning and ensure that when the time comes, the decision to get a pet is shared and informed.
When It’s the Right Time to Adopt a Pet
If your family has already researched the breed, lifestyle needs, and long-term care (and is fully prepared), a holiday adoption can work with the proper preparation.
Here’s how to set your new pet up for success:
- Create a quiet, pet-friendly space in your home
- Avoid overstimulation with visitors and noise
- Keep holiday foods, plants, and decorations out of reach
- Schedule a wellness exam with a vet shortly after adoption
A veterinarian, like Clarksburg Animal Hospital, will guide you through the transition to pet ownership, offering advice on nutrition, behavior, vaccinations, and more.
Veterinary Exams for New Pets in Clarksburg, MD
Bringing home a pet should be a celebration of a long-term relationship. We encourage prospective pet owners to think beyond the holidays and choose adoption with preparation, compassion, and commitment. When you’re ready, Clarksburg Animal Hospital performs exams for new pets in Clarksburg, including cats and dogs from Germantown, Clarksburg, Boyds, and nearby Maryland areas. Thinking about adopting a pet this season or after the New Year? Schedule their first visit at Clarksburg Animal Hospital.
