You have to carefully supervise your kids and pets at all times

You can’t leave your children alone with a new pet until your children have been taught the proper amount of respect they should have for animals and your pet has gotten used to your children, according to the Animal Humane Society.

“Animals must be treated gently and handled with care. Young children must never be left alone or unsupervised, with any animal, even for a moment. Although children can participate in light-care activities like grooming and playtime, a parent must be fully prepared to be the primary caretaker,” the organization warns.

It’s much harder to constantly supervise your children and any new pets during the holidays when there are relatives in town and lots of things to do.