Giving Pets as Gifts

The holiday season is upon us. Following the thoughts of ‘good cheer’ and ‘good will’, come the thoughts of ‘good gifts’. What should I give to “insert name” this year?

It is tempting to pick up a cute puppy, kitten, or other pet for a family member. You think, “Hey! They’ll love it – they’ve got kids!” or “Grandma needs a companion now that she is on her own.” Or “He loves to jog and now he’ll have a jogging buddy”.

While we applaud your intentions, we ask you to rethink them. Yes, our purpose is to help find homes for homeless pets but we want to find them their “forever” home. Too many pets given during the holidays with good intentions get returned or, worse, are neglected.

Great ways to give the gift of a pet

If you want to give a pet for the holidays, we suggest purchasing a gift card (ex. visa) – or create your own gift certificate - that will cover the cost of adoption and perhaps any items necessary to make a home pet friendly to welcome the new family member such as bowls, crates, toys, food, etc. (Please encourage them to use their gift card to adopt a new pet. From pure breeds to mutts, from large to small, from active to lazy, there is sure to be the perfect companion match!).

We also suggest that you encourage the soon-to-be pet owner to select a pet after the holidays are over. This way, the pet will receive all the attention it needs and can bond much easier with its new family!

Join in the fun! Ask to be a part of the process and go along with them while they look for their new family member. Another great reason to adopt a pet is that shelter and rescue workers know their adoptable pets. They can help match the family with the perfect companion!

Another option is to sponsor a shelter pet in the name of a friend or family member. Many shelters and rescues offer this feature on their sites. It is a great way to give a gift that is always the right size, gives your friends or family a good feeling, and makes a difference in the life of a shelter pet.

8 reasons why we suggest you don’t surprise someone with a pet:

1. Pets are a 10 to 20 year commitment. They are not toys that can put in the corner when the thrill is gone. Living creatures all have needs – including the need to be loved, nourished, trained, and treated well.
2. The holiday season is hectic for humans. Relatives come and go. Family members spend more time away from home. Strange decorations fill the home – candles, trees, and an abundance of electric cords. This is not a good time to introduce a new family member to your household. The new pet will need lots of attention – something most people don’t have to spare during the holidays. Your new little pet has no idea where she is now living. Where should they go potty? Who are these strange people? What am I allowed to do?
3. Pets cost money to upkeep. When you buy a shirt for someone, there’s not a lot of added expense. Pets need food, toys, vet appointments, grooming, etc. Maybe Grandma is living on a limited income and can’t afford the added expense.
4. Pets are individuals. Just like people, pets have their own personalities. You may pick a dog that requires lots of exercise but your Uncle Joe’s family consists of all couch potatoes. All members of a family – 2 legged and 4 legged – should meet a new pet before a decision is made.
5. Allergies, asthma, and other medical conditions. Many pets are returned because little Susie or Dad have severe allergies to pets. You may not be aware of health issues relating to having a pet. Or, for older adults, smaller pets may get under their feet and trip them.
6. You may love pets, but not everyone else does. Or, perhaps they love pets but aren’t educated enough about being a responsible pet owner. You may want to consider giving them a book on this topic.
7. Not all animal lovers want puppies or kittens. You may find them adorable, but a more mature pet may be a better fit.
8. Many puppies and kittens given as gifts end up in shelters for adoption or are euthanized for “behavior issues”. Most of these returns could be avoided with adequate training, attention to the pet, and the proper initial selection of the pet.

So, this holiday season, please do encourage pet adoptions. Provide a gift card or gift certificate for a family member or friend to purchase a pet after the craziness of the holiday season is over. Go along with all the members of the household for the selection process. Then, have a great time with the new family member.

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