The ASPCA Urges Families to Think Carefully Before Adopting A Pet This Holiday Season
Monday, December 12, 2005

This year give two gifts in one: your family a pet; a pet a loving home.

Media Contact: Jo Sullivan
ASPCA
(212) 876-7700 ext. 4512

Eric Rayvid
ASPCA
(212) 876-7700, ext. 4562

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY (December 12, 2005) -- The season of giving is upon us;  the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is urging Americans to think carefully before giving a pet as a gift. 

While the ASPCA is not discouraging pets as gifts, as it means bringing companionship and joy to a family for years, and could be the gift of life for a shelter animal, it is asking for people to consider waiting until after New Years Eve to bring an animal home.

"The excitement of adopting a pet doesn't have to be put on hold if you and your family agree to adopt after the holidays," said Ed Sayres, president & CEO, ASPCA.  "You can wrap a pet toy or pet-related items, such as pet care books, kits, or gift certificates as a post holiday adoption promise.  The expectation of the new pet's arrival can be fun, especially for children, since you will have the time to properly plan and choose the right companion animal."

Families can plan for bringing an animal into their homes by visiting their local shelter and playing with the animals to find out which one is the best fit for a family.

Before adopting a pet as a gift, the ASPCA urges Americans to consider these guidelines:

- Think about adopting a pet after New Year's. There is usually too much activity (family get-togethers, parties) at this time of year for the animal to be comfortable and adjust properly to a new home. Behavior problems that may be difficult to reverse could develop at this time.

- If you're shopping for a friend or relative who wants a pet, educate yourself and the recipient with books that teach responsible pet ownership. If the person is interested in specific breeds or mixed-breeds, learn about what kinds best match the person's lifestyle and expectations.  Then give a gift certificate stating that you will cover the expenses involved in adopting an animal of the person's choice after the holidays.

If you know you are bringing home a new pet home during the holidays, please remember:

- Adding a pet to your home during the holidays should be a family decision and not looked at as a gift for any one individual. Everyone in the household should want the pet. If not, the pet could tragically end up unwanted, abused, neglected or left to the local community shelter.

- Try to arrange your holiday vacation when you will be bringing the animal home. This way the pet and your family can become better acquainted.

- Animals are not inanimate objects, and should not be placed under the Christmas tree as if they are toys or a new blouse. Never give your child a pet Christmas morning or the first night of Hanukkah, since the excitement and activity during this time could be very stressful.

- Always make sure the recipient you are presenting with a pet wants to adopt and is part of the decision making process. Many shelters, including the ASPCA, ask that all household members meet the pet and unanimously agree to the adoption to avoid the animal being returned.

- Make sure your pet has a safe, quiet haven to retreat to if the holiday bustle becomes too much.

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Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www2.aspca.org.