Pets as Gifts Requires Preparation National Pet Editor and Expert Seth Mendelson Discusses What All Families Need To Know and Do Before Introducing A Family Pet Seeing our childrens faces as they receive an adorable puppy is one of lifes great joys, especially during the holidays. Then the crying, scratching and accidents beginusually just as company is arriving!
Having a pet can be wonderful for a family. A pet can teach kids life-long lessons and ‘prepare’ children for a number of real-life experiences, such as social interaction, responsibility and commitment. A child who learns to care for an animal, and treat it kindly and patiently can get invaluable training in learning to treat people the same way1. So how can you make your fuzzy new addition a part of the family with a little less drama? Editor and Pet Expert Seth Mendelson is here to help with FUNDAMENTAL RULES TO BRINGING HOME A NEW PET: Establish the rules. Decide who’s responsible for what and if there will be areas that are “off-limits” for your new pet. Have all the necessary supplies ready. Examples are food, food and water bowls, leash or harness. Prepare your children. Look for toys that your children can relate to, such as Dora Loves Puppy, which takes kids on a new adventure following the storyline of Doras adoption of her new pet Perrito, and can help teach your child about ownership. Pet-proof your home: Lock away household chemicals, such as cleansers, insecticide, antifreeze, and others. Place houseplants out of reach. Many houseplants are poisonous. Have separate areas for your new pet and any existing pets. For more information, please visit http://www.kmart.com About Seth Mendelson: Since 2001, Seth Mendelson has served as Group Editorial Director and Publisher of the Macfadden Communications Retail Trade Publishing Group, which includes Pet Business magazine, Pet Aisle magazine and The Pet Elite magazine. In his role, he has helped to develop Pet Business magazine into the leading monthly pet retail trade publication. He has also served as an advisor to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the Food Marketing Institute and the National Grocers Association. He has also been interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNBC, CNN and many local TV and radio stations, often discussing the state of the pet care industry, its growth prospects and opportunities for retailers and suppliers. 1 Statistic Source: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry; http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/pets_and_children
