As the holiday season approaches, Animal Care Services (ACS) in San Antonio is reminding potential pet owners about the responsibility of adopting animals. ACS urges careful consideration before gifting pets, highlighting that they require long-term care, including health services, food, and companionship.
In a statement obtained by KSAT, Lisa Norwood, public relations manager for ACS, advised, "People decide they want to give pets as presents, and they don’t think about this being a lifetime commitment. You are committing to the lifetime of that pet." While the holiday season may encourage impulsive decisions, it's essential to match a pet to the recipient's lifestyle for the well-being of both. Norwood also highlighted that, like humans, animals have unique personalities and may require time to adjust to their new environment.
Meanwhile, ACS is not only preaching responsible adoption but also facilitating it through their holiday adoption fair and market, according to MSN. The event, held at the municipal shelter off 151 last Saturday, offered waived adoption fees and a flurry of family activities, aimed at pairing shelter pets with loving homes.
Lisa Norwood suggested alternatives like a gift certificate, a stuffed animal, or a visit to a shelter to choose a pet. ACS offers an online catalog to view available pets, helping adopters make informed decisions. ACS also cautions against buying pets from backyard breeders or illegal sellers, as they may lack veterinary care and have unpredictable behavior. In contrast, ACS adoptions include sterilization, vaccination, and microchipping.
