Summer May Be the Right Time to Welcome a New Pet

To adopt a puppy in summer often brings happy thoughts. Many think of relaxation and travel too. It’s also a time for new beginnings. Many consider adding a furry friend then. They think about getting a new pet. Is summer ideal to welcome this new family member? Thinking to adopt a puppy in summer requires thought. Petland explores the advantages of this timing. We examine important considerations for you. Petland offers insights on the human-animal bond. This information helps you decide if you should adopt a puppy in summer.

“Pet ownership in the U.S. continues to rise,” said Petland President and CEO Joe Watson. “According to the American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) 2025 State of the Industry Report, 71-percent – or 94 million U.S. households today include a pet. This is a significant increase from 82 million U.S. homes with pets in 2023. This growth underscores the pet industry’s strength and value in providing prospective pet owners with safe, trusted and reliable avenues to meet and acquire their new best friend.”

Adopting a pet in summer offers many benefits. Families often have more time at home then. School breaks and vacations allow for this. This period is ideal for creating routines. It’s also good for house-training new pets. You can build a strong bond too. Longer daylight hours are another advantage. The nice weather provides many outdoor opportunities. Consider walks, playtime, and socialization. These are all crucial for a pet’s growth. They also support a pet’s well-being.

While there are many advantages to welcoming a new pet during the summer months, it can also be a busy season for many families. Some may need to work around travel plans or unpredictable summer schedules involving camp and sports activities for the kids before introducing a new pet who requires stability and consistent care during their initial adjustment period.

Part of Petland’s nearly 60-year mission promotes the human-animal bond. This connection between humans and animals offers numerous benefits to someone considering adding at pet. These include emotional support that can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; physical health improvements that walks with a pet and general interaction can generate; and more social interactions with other pet owners or just having a pet in the house can help to reduce feelings of loneliness.

All in all, summer can be an excellent time to meet a new pet, if you have the time, resources, and commitment to provide for their needs. Consider your summer plans, household dynamics, and ability to provide a stable environment. If these align, welcoming a new pet during the summer could be the beginning of a rewarding companionship.

Founded in 1967, Petland, Inc. is a specialty pet retail franchise operation with nearly 300 locations in the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, El Salvador, Mexico, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Since its beginnings as a single, family-owned and operated store in Chillicothe, Ohio, Petland pet counselors have remained dedicated to matching the right pet with the right customer and meeting the needs of both.  For more information about Petland, visit www.petland.com