Royal Canin Issues Reminder To Think Differently About Gifting A Pet During The Holidays

New Campaign Encourages Potential Pet Owners to Plan Long-term for a Pet

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Dec 08, 2016, 09:45 ET

ST. CHARLES, Mo., Dec. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- It's the holidays, but there is one item that you won't find on a published gift list. And for good reason: Pets are a different type of gift. That's why Royal Canin, a global leader in pet health nutrition, today unveiled its "More Than Just a Gift" awareness campaign to advise people to think differently before gifting pets this holiday season. Unlike a toy, gadget, clothing or jewelry, pets are a gift that lasts for the lifetime of the pet; not just a gift for the season.

"Bringing a pet into your family is a wonderful experience. While people give pets as gifts with the best intentions, hasty decisions can lead to poor outcomes such as the wrong family fit and returned or even abandoned pets," said Brent Mayabb, DVM, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Royal Canin. "We want to remind pet owners to take their time and to work with a veterinarian who can help make an informed decision about the best cat or dog for your family."

Potential pet owners should take the necessary steps in determining what pet is right for their particular situation and create a positive living environment to ensure their new pet is welcomed into their home – and happy and healthy for years to come. Some specific best practices when for planning a pet include:

Determine the best fit: Every cat and dog is different — their size, age, energy levels and temperaments can impact the family dynamic. Finding your new cat or dog requires research and planning with the entire family and working with veterinarians as a key resource for information.
Budget for their expenses: To have a cat or dog in your family can be expensive, but ask any owner and they'll tell you they are worth every penny. Remember to budget for both routine and emergency medical care, food, toys and grooming – especially in the first year.
Introduce pet care: Try to choose a veterinarian before a pet comes home, and plan for potential pet-sitters and dog-walkers to meet your new cat or dog before hiring them.
Arrange your schedule: Between work, travel, and other types of activities, most families' schedules are pretty hectic. These schedules will impact your pet care, too. Arrange pet responsibilities ahead of time to ensure your pet is receiving necessary care, while still fitting into your family's lifestyle.
Prep your home: Make sure your house is pet-friendly before bringing your new dog or cat home. A pet's environment determines their comfort level and can affect their relationship to a new family by allowing a smoother transition period.

At the center of Royal Canin's plan for a pet initiative is a new 60-second educational video that lets viewers witness individuals excitedly opening typical holiday presents; jewelry, clothing and a tech item. The surprise comes in the last vignette when a woman opens a box with something entirely different inside, an adorable little dog. Her excitement and surprise radiates from her face and her voice, but quickly takes a turn as she reacts to the dog as if it were the same as the inanimate objects opened previously. This surprising reaction helps to deliver the point, and remind us all that while giving a pet may be the ultimate holiday gift, they demand more thought and consideration than any other present.

ABOUT ROYAL CANIN USA

Royal Canin USA is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 40 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, lifestyle and therapeutic requirements. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. Royal Canin is a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. To learn more about Royal Canin, visit www.royalcanin.com and "LIKE" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcaninus.

SOURCE Royal Canin