How much is that doggie in the window? The cost of owning a pet is greater than any dollar amount, and the decision to give an animal as a gift should not be as simple as swiping a credit card. “It needs to be a thought-out thing, not spur of the moment,” says Kay Simpson, Director of the Humane Society of Pulaski County.

Simpson says that Christmas is an especially busy time of year for the nonprofit, which finds homes for an estimated 1,200 cats, dogs and horses every year. Because of its careful application process, the Humane Society is able to place pets in the perfect home. “Usually if someone comes to us to get a puppy for their children for Christmas, they’ve thought about it. We have a 3-page application for adoption and we try to make a match,” Simpson says.

The organization assists those who need a little more counsel before adopting, too. Simpson says the first step is to make sure your child is ready for a pet. “We get people who had a dog growing up, so they bring their child in to adopt, and the child is terrified of puppies and dogs!” Simpson says. The takeaway: Don’t assume that your child will be comfortable around cats and dogs just because they’ve never had a traumatic experience with animals.

Next up: If you’re choosing to adopt a canine, research and find what breed fits your family. Simply choosing the cutest or sweetest pup in the pound isn’t always the best idea, Simpson says. “People often forget that if you have a 4-year-old and you get a Lab puppy, the animal is going to grow faster than the child. By the time your child is 5 years old, the dog will be 50 pounds or more!”

Also, if parents expect a child to be responsible for the pet, proper care should be taught long before December 25 arrives. Simpson reminds that this includes scheduling regular veterinary visits, feeding, watering, grooming, play and exercise time, and more. Through the Humane Education program, the Humane Society of Pulaski County enters schools, churches, libraries, scout groups and more to educate children (and adults!) about the responsibilities of owning a pet. Families can also attend the Dog Walking 101 class every other Saturday morning at the shelter. Potential pet owners learn the basics, and are then invited to return and volunteer by walking dogs in parades, brushing cats and more—a great way to ease your youngster into caring for his own furry friend.

Then, set a goal for children to “earn” the right to adopt. Simpson says that around Christmas, she sees many kids who have saved allowance and birthday money to pay the adoption fee ($60 for adult dogs and cats over 6 months; $90 for small dogs, puppies and kittens)—a stipulation made by parents who want to guarantee their child’s commitment.

Pets are gifts that keep on giving…and giving…and giving…Simpson says that most importantly, parents should be ready to be lifelong owners, because “you can’t just stick them in the backyard when the ‘puppy’ wears off.”

Furry Finances

  • $670 is the approximate cost of CAT care per year
  • $580-$875 is the estimated annual cost of DOG care, depending on size

*Statistics according to the ASPCA, a national organization for the prevention of cruelty to animals

Shelters and Rescue Organizations