Pets are more than just a Christmas Day commitment

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI)-Pets are something many children are hoping to find under the tree Christmas Morning.

While puppies and kittens cute, they’re much more than just a Christmas Day commitment.

There’s nothing like coming home to a wagging tail and unconditional love.

But there are some things to consider before bringing a pet to their “furever” home.

Christmas is a time for giving and for many animal lovers a new pet may be sitting under the tree.

“Getting a pet for Christmas can be a great idea if everyone is on board. Pets are lifelong responsibilities they’re not just temporary for like a Christmas gift that’s just be in the moment it is a long time responsibility if someone in the household is thinking about getting a pet just make sure everybody is on board,” said Karen Johnwick.

Pets are just like your real babies. They rely on you to take care of them and make sure their needs are met. Think about the accommodations you have where you live.

“Look at your lifestyle pick a pet that fits your lifestyle lets say you live in a small apartment you wouldn’t want to go get a really really large great Dane or really really large golden doodle that needs that extra exercise if there’s not an exercise area for the pet,” said Karen Emerson.

Another thing to consider, your children.

“What age are they do you want a pet they can grow up and play with. Like I wouldn’t get three or four-year-olds itty bitty Yorkies puppies, or anything try to go with a moderate size that can handle them as they age,” said Emerson.

And when it comes to surprising someone you love with an animal considers doing this instead.

“If it’s something that you’re thinking about doing for the holidays then maybe give them a stuffed animal, and then they can open that up and then you can bring them here after Christmas and then they can pick out the pet. That way they’re going to pick out the one they want, and there’s going to be that bond there that it’s not just like oh that’s a cute animal, but it doesn’t like that person so we definitely always encourage you to actually come and meet and make sure it’s a good connection,” said Johnwick.

If you made your list and checked it twice and you’re prepared to tackle being a pet parent, you might just make someone’s Christmas wish come true.

“Puppies and kittens are great Christmas presents but just do that little bit of extra research make sure you pick the right puppy you’re homes the right place for that puppy and that your budget will allow you to take care of that puppy or kitten,” said Emerson.

Johnwick said the humane society sees more people wanting to adopt during the holidays.

Before they approve the adoption, they go through a process to make sure it’s a right fit.