– What you need to think about before making that forever purchase –
(Brewster, NY) How much is that doggy in the window? What could be a better holiday gift–a puppy or a kitty cat! Dr. Jason Berg, DMV, DACVIM, Chairman of the Board of of HEALS, and founder of Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster NY, feels strongly that that people who are thinking of getting a pet for the holidays need to put time into this decision before deciding to add a furry friend to the family. This is a huge holiday gift purchase as well as a financial and emotional commitment for up to twenty years.
Dr. Berg says move slowly and think about the following:
- Are you and/or your family ready for a pet?
- What age dog is best for you and/or the family
- Depending on the size of your apartment or house what size dog would be most appropriate?
- Is there a backyard or will the dog need to be walked?
- Is adoption, breeder or local pet store the way to go?
- What are the financial implications that are involved with pet ownership?
- What is involved in preparing for a new pet and taking care of a pet in the long term
- Who will be responsible for pet care/walks/feeding during the day?
- What are the pros and cons of purchasing a pet insurance plan?
- No one ever wants anything to go wrong with their new family member, but it happens – when to seek emergency veterinary care.
- Be aware of the signs of parvovirus, a serious disease that can affect puppies.
- Traveling with pets or boarding them – how to decide, prepare and prevent contagious diseases.
“There is nothing better than adding a dog or cat to our lives, but there are so many people out there who are dealing with emotional and financial distress,” says Dr. Berg. “HEALS was founded because many people can’t afford the veterinary care and the financial surprises of having a pet. But, oftentimes, it’s a surprise because instead of researching the responsibilities of pet ownership, it may be a spontaneous purchase or adoption and people may not realize this is a long-term commitment.” HEALS is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to saving pets’ lives by helping owners pay for essential veterinary care when they can’t afford it.
HEALS, a charitable 501c3 organization, was established in 2020 with the mission to end economic euthanasia and animal surrender due to an inability to pay. HEALS endeavors to keep pet owners who qualify for financial assistance and their pets together longer so they can enjoy a better quality of life. The non-profit was started because of a universal love of animals and an appreciation of the special sustaining bond that develops between pets and their owners. HEALS will be working with veterinary partners in New York – Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Dutchess Counties; Connecticut – Fairfield County and New Jersey – Bergen County. For more info. go to www.healspets.org.
