Pet Adoption Rates Soar Around the Holidays: The Checklist You Need to Prepare

 Around the Holiday season, we see a major uptick in gifting pets as “presents.” Although this new animal may be a great addition to your family it is important to weigh the factors and fully understand the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Holly Ganz, PhD, is the Chief Science Officer and co-founder of AnimalBiome - a leader in the pet space with extensive data and knowledge surrounding animal health.

Dr. Ganz shares that responsible pet parents across the country are looking for the checklist they need after adopting their forever furry friend. She shared her list below:

> Prepare a Shopping List

Your pet will need all the basics to start with like food, water and food bowls, leash, collar, bed or crate to sleep, poop bags or litter box, toothbrush, shampoo, nail trimmers, and many treats and toys to make their initial stays more comfortable

> Get to Know Your Pet’s Health Status

Initial testing for your animal is the best way to better understand your pet’s current health status. A Gut Health Test detects bacterial imbalances and provides actionable insights for personalized diet, supplement, or lifestyle changes to improve your pet’s health.

> Schedule a Vet Visit

After understanding the status of your animal’s health, schedule a visit with a vet to receive vaccines, chat through pet concerns, and get an overall wellness snapshot.

> Begin Training Early

Teaching your pet commands, where to do their business, and the rules of the house is imperative to their safety and integration into your home.

Dr. Ganz is also available to discuss:

Tips for bringing home a new animal during the holidays.

Common rescue myths and misconceptions.

The best practices for caring for our furry friends.

Risks and tips with owning a pet.

Please let me know if you’d like to set up an interview with Holly or would like any other quotes, quick commentary, or byline articles as she is happy to provide it. Dr. Ganz has extensive experience in the animal health field and is a great interview subject (full bio below).