NE Dallas News

Before you decide to surprise your family with a new pet for the holidays, consider the following: 

• What are the ages of your children? Different pets are appropriate for different ages. 
• Does your family really want a pet? Not all children want to have pets around the house, nor do they want to take on the large responsibility of full-time pet care.
• Have you thought about the cost? Pets require food, vaccinations, supplies and sometimes emergency visits to the veterinarian. 
• Do you have any other pets at home? If so, we recommend bringing them in for a meet and greet prior to adopting. 
• If you live in an apartment, does your complex have any breed restrictions? Some homeowners associations restrict the number or types of pet you may have. And the City of Garland has specific fencing requirements for certain breeds.

Have this important conversation with your family before adopting a pet. If you feel that everyone is ready and committed, make a visit to your local animal shelter and help give a homeless pet a new chance at life! Animals can be adopted from the Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, 1902 State Highway 66.

See adoptable animals, local services and more at GarlandAnimalServices.org.

If you are not in the market for a new pet, but would like to make a donation for our homeless animals, please take a look at the Garland Animal Services Wish List. 

Original source can be found here.