Toms River-Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the adoption rate of the two animal facilities in the county has remained stable, and this trend is expected to continue.

  Many families will adopt a special cat or dog during the holidays to add to their family. The Ocean County Animal Facility encourages people to adopt it from one of their shelters.

  "We want them to make sure that they take their lifetime commitments seriously and do their homework," said Daniel Regenye, Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer, Ocean County Health Bureau (OCHD).

  He added, “Some people will act impulsively because they might think that cute animals will give someone a special gift during the holidays - but we strongly discourage people from doing this.”

  "During the pandemic, many people go home from get off work and spend more time adjusting or training new pets," said Brian Lippai, OCHD's director of public information.

  "This is great for most individuals and families, but for some people, the results are not what they want. We have a few cases where people eventually return to work and no longer need company. That's why you You really need to think about the future and how much commitment you need to make," Lippai said.

  OCHD urges residents to consider your family, lifestyle, and vacation plans, and provides some tips for adoption during the holidays to make the transition as smooth as possible.

 • Make sure your vacation plan includes enough time at home. You want to have enough time to get to know your pet and provide necessary behavior training.

• Minimize the flow of people in and out of the home. For new pets, the hustle and bustle of friends and family can be overwhelming. Try to keep the environment around the animal as calm and peaceful as possible.

• Rather than surprise family members with pets, give them a card telling them that you are raising a new dog or cat. This way the whole family can find new animals together. When you go to the shelter, all members of the family can visit with each pet and vote for the animal they think is the best.

• Make the correct match! If you live in a small apartment, don't adopt a big dog. If you are interested in a high-energy dog, make sure you can give it enough exercise. Toddlers and some pets may not be suitable. Contact the shelter staff in advance so they can help you find the pet that best suits your lifestyle. Remember that all pets need some type of veterinary care during their lifetime; food; exercise; supplies (such as leashes, bowls, etc.) and some grooming may be necessary.

• Think about who visits you frequently, whether they are comfortable with animals or whether they are allergic to animals.

If you do adopt--or already own a cat or dog--the Ocean County Health Bureau wants you to also consider the decorations, food, road trips, parties, or the things that come from keeping relatives and friends at home during this holiday season. The time of year with potential health hazards.

  Follow these tips to prevent holiday disasters and visit the veterinarian:

• Keep people's food out of your pets' reach and ask your guests to do the same.

• Make sure that your pet cannot get any snacks, especially those that contain chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions, or other toxic foods.

• Do not leave your pet alone in the room where there are lighted candles, decorated trees or flowers.

• Keep holiday plants (especially holly, mistletoe, and lilies) out of the reach of pets.

• If you have cats or kittens, consider removing the wire from the tree.

• Protect your Christmas or holiday tree to prevent it from tipping over when your dog hits it or your cat climbs on it. Hanging a lemon-scented car air freshener on a tree may prevent your cat from climbing the tree.

• If you are traveling together, please pack your pet and yourself. In addition to pet food and medicine, this also includes carrying copies of their medical records, information that helps identify pets lost, first aid supplies, and other items (road trips are not recommended for new pets).

• Pets in the car should always be safely restrained and should not be left alone in the car under any weather. Appropriate restraint refers to the use of seat belts or carriers and places where there are no airbags. Never transport your pet on the bed of a truck.

• If you are entertaining guests, please provide a safe place for your pets to keep you away from irritation (such as kennels, crates, habitats, bollards, or hiding places). If your pet is excited or scared, consider putting your pet in another room with some toys and a comfortable bed (if you have just adopted a pet, please consider visiting instead of letting guests over. Don't let your pet be alone for long) time).

• Even if your pets are comfortable around your guests, make sure to keep an eye on them, especially when people come in and out of your home. When you welcome hungry guests and collect coats, four-legged family members may rest outside the door and get lost.

• Make sure your pet can correctly identify your current contact information—especially the microchip with the latest registration information. In this way, if they do sneak out, they are more likely to be returned to you.

• Keep pets away from other animals or people diagnosed with COVID-19.

• The phone number of your veterinarian or the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic.

• ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 1-888-426-4435.

  "You may not think twice about many of these things until it's too late. Pets are indeed habitual animals, so changing your daily life or environment may be stressful. Follow these simple tips to do the right thing, you and Your pet will spend a safe and happy vacation," Regenye suggested.

  The location and contact information of the animal facilities in the two ocean counties are North Ocean County Animal Facility, 615 Fremont Avenue, Jackson, 732-657-8086; South Ocean County Animal Facility, 360 Haywood Drive, Manahawkin, 609-978-0127.

  Pet adoption is by appointment only. All OCAF pets have been neutered, microchip implanted and vaccinated suitable for their age.

  For more information about pets and the adoption process, please visit the Ocean County Health Bureau website ochd.org