Why Pets Don't Make Good Holiday Gifts?
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| Pets thrive best where there is a loving atmosphere with proper care and attention. At first it might seem like a good idea to give a cute puppy or a kitten as a gift to your children or loved ones, but please think on the following points before giving a pet as a gift this Holiday season. |
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Does the family have adequate space for a new pet? A lot of dogs and puppies or cats are not suitable for apartment living. They require a decent sized backyard to exercise or run around. If you gift an inappropriate pet, they will end up living in cramped spaces and this often results in destructive behavior inside the house. | Do they even want a pet as a gift? They might have expressed a desire to get a pet, but it does not mean they want one now. A pet is like a child, and comes with just as much financial responsibility. Are they willing to pay for basic pet necessities like food, toys, leashes or collars, bedding, veterinary care, spaying & neutering, medications or emergency care? |
Children may be too young to understand and accept pets as gifts. To them, it might look like a cuddly soft toy and if the pet is small, they might hurt or harm it unknowingly. Before getting a pet for your child, discuss this topic with them. Make them understand that it is not a toy but a part of the family and explain the responsibilities that come along with owning a pet. | During Christmas a new pet in the house might seem like a great idea, but post holiday, the pet will not vanish. It is now a part of the family for life. Most people are not prepared for that kind of commitment and invariably end up giving the pet away to overcrowded shelters or abandoning them. |
Adapting to a new house is always difficult for a pet, it needs time, love and attention for it to trust you and adjust to the new household and family. Introducing a new pet during holiday season will only bring stress. Pets just like babies need routine, with the constant comings and goings of holiday guests, parties etc, you might not be able to stick to that routine. This can result in serious anxiety in your pet and can result in delay of training, behavior and trust issues. |
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| Since pets are lifelong commitment, take your entire family to a nearby shelter. Discuss the pros and cons of owning a pet. Discuss the different breeds and if they are suitable to your environment or way of living. |
| If any of your neighbors or family members has pets, ask your child/children to spend a day with those pets to understand the responsibility involved. |
| Instead of gifting a pet, put together a gift box of items such as pet food bowls, collars, toys etc. and explain that the live pet can be adopted after the holidays, once the family has enough time to devote to it. |
| Volunteer at your local dog park or humane society during the holidays instead. This will not only give you a chance to understand pets, but also a chance to figure out which type of pet suits your household. |
| Buy a stuffed animal for small children instead. Or better yet, take them to a petting zoo for the holidays. |
| any a people have received pets during holidays and have made great companions for a lifetime. We just caution you to do some research before adopting a pet in your family. If you think you and your family are ready to accept a new member, even during the holiday hustle and bustle, we urge to choose a pet from a shelter or a local humane society. Better yet, donate to these organizations during the holidays, and adopt a pet from them after. |
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