If there’s a puppy or kitten on someone’s Christmas list, future pet owners and their families are encouraged to have a plan in place.

St. Joseph Animal Control and Rescue Humane Educator Jennifer Lockwood said pets as gifts can be a good idea, as long as it’s well-thought-out ahead of time.

“I think it’s just something that should (have) been on the radar prior to Christmas, something that the family has talked about, make sure that everybody’s on the same page as far as the care and commitment that is required, by puppies, especially,” Lockwood said.

For those who already have pets, Lockwood said, during any holiday gatherings, it’s also important to have a plan so pets have a holiday free from stress or sickness.

“Keeping them in a nice, safe place and making sure that they’re not eating inappropriate things and making sure everybody knows that, too, so that they’re not feeding them something they shouldn’t be,” Lockwood said. “(Also) make sure that your pet has identification on them in the event that they may get out. If they’re identified with a tag or microchip, that really speeds up the process in getting the pet back to you safely.”

The St. Joseph Animal Shelter will be open regular hours this week and closed Monday and Tuesday next week. Hours are from 1 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Lockwood said some items on the shelter’s Christmas list this year are non-clumping cat litter, jars of peanut butter and dry cat and dog food.

For more information, contact the shelter at (816) 271-4877.