Want a Pet for Christmas? Amarillo Humane Society Offers Discounts

The Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society wants to make sure the pets in their shelter have a Merry Christmas. According to ABC 7, they’ve decided to offer discounts to encourage people to reach out and adopt a fluffy pet to keep them warm through the winter. “APHS said they are lowering the adoption fee to $25 starting Wednesday, Dec. 20, until Saturday, Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. The $25 fee includes a spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination, all booster shots and a microchip,” the news writes.

Of course, getting a pet for Christmas, or at any time, should be taken very seriously. As PetMD points out, many holiday movies show people giving cute pets as gifts, but there doesn’t seem to be any planning involved, and the animal is treated more like a toy than a living being.

PetMD recommends that people don’t place animals in a box and gift them as a surprise because the creatures will be frightened as a result of being trapped and then being met with loud sounds and hugs. It’s best to include the whole family on the adventure of choosing a pet and welcoming it into its new home. PetMD also suggests that if you aren’t ready for a pet just yet, gift a stuffed animal as a promise to choose one soon after discussing responsibilities.