Thursday, February 11, 2016

Keep Shelters in Mind When Getting a Valentine's Pup

Posted By on Thu, Feb 11, 2016 at 6:41 PM


Pets are an essential part of many people’s lives and every furry friend comes with a love story.

Holidays like Christmas and Valentines Day are especially popular times for people to gift a pet. But before you go picking out a pup, it’s crucial to analyze your life conditions and situation. Is your life stable enough to care for a pet? What is your home space like? How much time do you have to care for this animal?

Justin Gallick, the live release manager at Pima Animal Care Center, says “it’s not uncommon to have someone come into the shelter thinking they want a large breed puppy, only to find out they don’t have time and live in an apartment. Then they realize they need a 14-pound Chihuahua.”

Another thing to consider: It’s common in these gift-giving times to go through a breeder or a pet store—but a shelter might be holding the pet of your dreams.

Shelters sometimes have a stigma of the “unwanted” pet—one that looks like it walked straight out of Pet Sematary or even off of Alice In Chains’ album Tripod—but the times have changed and shelters have mutts, purebreds and everything in-between.

Not to mention, many of these animals have already been trained and gotten past the beginning stages, they’re just waiting in for a new home—no training required.

Valentine's weekend also happens to be National Adoption Weekend. So, if you're considering making a Valentine's addition to your family, stop by PACC because they'll be holding free adoptions for National Adoption Weekend. Some fees may apply.

· Friday, Feb. 12: Noon-7 p.m.
· Saturday, Feb. 13: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
· Sunday, Feb. 14: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.