The holiday season is here and that means presents, decorations, giving to charity, and food, food and more food. All of these things are fun and exciting for humans, but take a moment to consider how this frenzy can impact your furry friend.
Presents
Giving pets as presents is not a recommended practice, as fitting a pet to the person is a very important part of adoption counseling. If you want to give a spouse or child a pet for Christmas, be sure to make them part of the adoption process as part of gifting experience. Let them be an active participant to ensure the right match is made for both parties. Gifted pets are one of the top returns local shelters take after the holidays. To view a list of available shelter pets, visit the Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s website then call the adoption line at 916-875-2287 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (except holidays) to schedule your adoption appointment.
Decorations
While those videos of cats pouncing on Christmas trees are hilarious, pets pose a very real danger when left alone with decorations, both to your safety and their own. Never leave your pet unattended with a lit Christmas tree. If possible, close off the Christmas tree area from your pets when you aren’t in the room. Read more Information about the dangers of tinsel and other decorations to your pet.
Food
The holidays are full of delicious food, sweets and drinks for humans, but many of these treats are toxic for your pet. Although many foods are perfectly safe to feed your pet after your holiday meal, others pose a danger. Consult this handy list of safe and unsafe pet foods. Make sure other family members are aware of the house rules when it comes to feeding your pets. Be sure food is out of reach of your pet so they don’t accidentally consume anything harmful (i.e. don’t leave gift chocolate on the coffee table).
Giving Back
The Bradshaw Animal Shelter, owned and operated by the County of Sacramento, houses nearly 13,000 animals every year. They provide food, shelter, medical care, vaccinations, microchips and spay/neuter services to these precious animals. They also provide services to the owned animals of our community, such as the pet pantry for pet owners in need, and low-cost (or free) vaccination, microchip and spay/neuter services. The Bradshaw Animal Shelter works with feral cat community partners and implements strategies to help maintain their populations responsibly.
All of these services are made possible by the overwhelming love and support received from the community, the staff and the volunteers. If you are looking for a worthwhile cause to donate to before the end of the tax season, consider Bradshaw Animal Shelter!
You can also give back to your local community by sponsoring adoptions at the shelter. Contact our staff via email at countyanimalcare@saccounty.gov to mention you would like to sponsor an adoption or two. You can choose a specific animal, or just the next one to be adopted. For more ways to give back, visit the Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s Donations webpage.
However you celebrate during the holiday season, be mindful of your pets and their safety, and have a happy holiday season
