Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-132

Show Description: "Pets & Presents"

Audio Files: ATVR-06-132.mp3, ATVR-06-132.wma

This week on Ask The Vet Radio we discussed pet adoption and pet products for the holidays.  Stephanie Shain, Director of Outreach for the Companion Animals Division of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), called in to discuss adoption during the holidays and what you need to know before purchasing a pet for a present.  We also spoke with representatives from PetSmart and B & W’s Gourmet Dog Treats & Gifts to find the best gift ideas for your furry friends!

Show Notes and Resources:

Call-In Guest:  Stephanie Shain, Director of Outreach for the Companion Animals Division of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

  • Depending upon the region, many shelters experience an increase in adoptions during the holiday season.  Most people come to the shelters in search of a puppy or kitten.  However, while puppies and kittens are cute, they may not be the best option for a gift depending on the potential owner.  Adult animals offer great qualities and can eliminate much of the stress that accompanies puppies and kittens, such as destructive behavior and potty-training problems.
  • Do not give pets as surprise gifts.  Consider the time, money, and space commitment that is required to own a pet.  For example, when you purchase a puppy for someone, you are essentially contracting them to a 10-15 year commitment of which can require an adequate amount of space once full grown. 
  • Allow the person to be part of the selection process.  The person you are selecting a pet for may instantly bond with a different type of pet than you would have suspected.  Most shelters allow the purchase of an adoption gift certificate.  Wrap the gift certificate with a pet toy or pet bed that the recipient can use once they have brought the new pet into the home.  Never wrap an animal in paper (even if the box offers air holes)!   
  • GPS collars and microchip gift certificates are also good gifts to give pet lovers that will ultimately aid in the recovery of an animal if it should get lost.  Subscriptions to pet magazines can also be a great gift for new pet owners. 
  • Toys are necessities not luxuries.  They keep pets active, healthy, and enrich their lives.  For the holiday season, give your pet a toy that is geared to their favorite playtime activity (such as chewing or scratching).  For aggressive chewers, stay away from rope toys and stuffed animals; try Kongs and Nylabones.  If you are on a budget this season, try making your own gifts or using everyday items as toys, such as grocery paper bags or large cardboard boxes for cats.
  • If you have extra spending money, consider donating to a shelter in your pet’s name to help all of the animals that do not have a permanent home for Christmas.  For more gift ideas or more information from the HSUS, visit www.hsus.org.

Call-In Guest: Manager, PetSmart on Morrell Rd.

  • There are over 1,000 exclusive PetSmart items for the holiday season.  One of the most popular items is the stuffed animal known as the Bobo doll from the PetSmart commercials.  Other ideas for dogs include agility toys and tunnels for hyperactive dogs and ramps for the older animals. 
  • For cats and cat owners, furniture and automatic litter boxes make great gift ideas because they tend to be higher in price than the average pet item.  Cat furniture is not only good for the animal’s health and claws, but can also eliminate destruction elsewhere in the home. 
  • The store also has a complete tack store in the back (State Line Tack).  The tack store carries holiday items for horses such as ear warmers and decorative reindeer antlers.  A full selection of helmets, riding gear, etc. is also available for horse owners.  Other items that horses may enjoy include peppermints, bucket warmers, and big exercise balls.    

Call-In Guest:  Owner, B & W’s Gourmet Dog Treats & Gifts

  • B & W’s offer a variety of home-made gourmet dog treats full of interesting flavors and shapes.  The fun packaging and innovative flavors makes the gifts available at B & W’s perfect for pets and pet owners alike!
  • Products are available for purchase at the following locations: Pet Supplies “Plus” (7101 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN), Premier Paws (9450 S. Northshore Drive, Suite 104, Knoxville, TN), and Harry’s Aquarium (168 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge, TN).
  • Coffee drinkers can also receive complimentary treats from the Starbucks drive-thru windows at the Turkey Creek, Cedar Bluff, and Cumberland Avenue locations in Knoxville, TN.
  • Products are also available for purchase online at www.BWGourmetDogTreats.com, www.PetsKeepLoving.com, and www.DachshundGifts.com.

Rescue of the Week: Save Our Setters, Inc.

06-132: Save Our Setters, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping displaced Irish, Gordon, and Irish Red and White Setters throughout the United States with a home office in Oakland, TN.  To view available dogs or make donations to rescued setters, visit http://www.saveoursetters.org/