Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not necessarily a bad idea to give a pet as a holiday gift. According to LA Animal Services, studies show that more families add a companion animal to their home during the holidays than any other time of the year.
“Studies done by animal welfare experts across the United States have shown no correlation between getting an animal as a gift and an owner’s love and attachment to the pet, even if that pet was a surprise gift. Additionally, the results of the study revealed the risk of relinquishment did not increase for dogs and cats received as presents,” said a recent LA Animal Services report.Â
If you are ready to add a four-legged friend to your life and you are planning a quiet holiday at home, without a lot of company and chaos, then Animal Services encourages you to come meet wonderful adoptable pets at any of their six Los Angles City Shelters.
Brenda Barnette, LA Animal Services General Manager, says, “The holiday season can be the perfect time to find your furry family member. You can get him or her settled in while you have a couple of days off work. At the LA City Shelters, we have a variety of pets in all sizes, ages, and breeds, just waiting for us to find them a new home of their own.”
If you have a busy holiday season or will be out of town but still want to add a loving dog or cat to your home – or if you want to surprise a family member or a special someone but let them choose their own fur-ever friend – LA Animal Services also offers gift certificates. Gift certificates are a great way to surprise your family at gift-giving time and adopt a new pet later, when you have more time to dedicate. Gift certificates can be used at any of the six LA City Shelters, and you and your loved ones can visit as often as it takes to fall in love with your new best friend.
LA City Shelter pets are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped and ready to go home. What better gift can any of us give during the holiday season than to provide a new life to an orphaned pet? They are definitely the best gift ever and guaranteed to give you a lifetime of love and companionship.
To find the shelter closest to you, visit LAAnimalServices.com/shelters or call (888) 452-7381.
OMG this is the worst suggestion ever! Getting a dog is unlike any other pet. It requires time, preparation, education and is a huge responsibility if you are doing it right. If someone doesn’t have the time, the money or the inclination you are doing a disservice to the recipient and the dog. The dog may not end up back at the pound but the study didn’t say if they stayed with the recipient. Unless you are including dog training and education in the gift, it is an irresponsible one.