Ensuring Your Puppy Finds His Forever Home This Christmas

Nothing will beat the look on your child’s face when you gift them with a pet puppy this Christmas. However, it’s important to remember that a puppy is for life, not just for Christmas. Each year, 3.3 million pet dogs are handed over to animal shelters in America as owners battle to train, feed and afford their pet pooches. Therefore, to avoid adding to the country’s homeless dogs here’s how to ensure that your Christmas arrival wins a permanent place in your family’s hearts.

Finding the perfect puppy

At this time of year, you’ll find puppies both at independent breeders and animal shelters. As there are millions of dogs and puppies sitting in shelters this Christmas, consider adopting from your local one. In recent years, rescue groups and shelters have even done special Christmas pet deliveries for families adopting pets at Christmas. This is a great way to add to the Christmas excitement and to welcome your puppy into his new home.

Be prepared for your new pet’s arrival 

As you would expect, puppies need lots of supplies, including specialist food, training pads, a bed, blankets, and toys. But as the majority of stores won’t be open on Christmas day and they’ll have restricted opening times during the rest of the festive season, you’ll need to be prepared for your pet’s arrival. A subscription box is a great way to ensure your puppy has got a continuous supply of toys and treats as he grows. Meanwhile, make sure the tinsel, fairy lights, Christmas chocolates, mince pies, and mistletoe are well out of reach as these all pose a risk to your new pup if ingested.

Host Christmas & New Year at yours 

Petfinder states that it can take up to three months for a puppy to settle into a new home. The first few days are vital in making your pup feel comfortable, establishing boundaries and for potty training success. Therefore, you’ll need to spend the festive season at home with your puppy. This will help him to build solid relationships with you and your child, and to adapt to his new surroundings. So either invite everyone round to yours or opt for a quiet Christmas and New Year.

Gifting a puppy to your child this Christmas can be a joyous occasion. But you do need to make sure you’re prepared to spend the next 10-15 years with your new pet. Therefore, take time to source the right pup for you, be prepared for his arrival and give him plenty of time to settle into his new home.

Thank you Cassidy Dennis for contributing this article for www.petfriendlysites.com