Now that we’re into the holiday season, here’s a bit of gift-giving advice: Pets don’t make good gifts at Christmas. Please don’t give pets as gifts.
Why you shouldn’t give pets as gifts
Just because someone you know is always gushing over cute puppy or kitten pictures on the internet, that doesn’t always mean they actually want a pet. The decision to get a pet is a very personal choice, and it should be. One that is well-thought-out, well-researched, and made responsibly. It shouldn’t be an impulsive decision. A pet is a lifetime commitment.
You might think it’s a nice surprise for your friend or family member, or their kids. But if the intended recepient isn’t prepared, they won’t think it’s so nice. To some people, puppies and kittens are adorable – until they grow up. The person you are gifting may not want to deal with the work and expense of caring for, cleaning up after, and training a pet for the rest of its life.
Life is hectic enough during the holidays!
The holidays are a stressful time as it is. Putting a live animal in the middle of it will make it worse. The animal will already be stressed and overwhelmed as it goes through a sudden life transition. And the person who is receiving this animal may already have a lot to do with houseguests, food prep and maintaining a presentable home for their guests.
Children will need even more supervision – especially with a new pet in the home. This means that the adults in the home will now have more responsibility than they might want to shoulder during the holiday season.
What happens when the gift of a pet goes wrong?
So many pets given as Christmas gifts are often surrendered within a couple of months after the holiday – or sooner. People unprepared for the time and work it takes to keep a pet decide that it’s just too much. The animal may have some behavior issues or health issues that the recepients of the gifted pet don’t want to (or can’t afford to) deal with. This could lead to the new owner surrendering the pet at an already overcrowded shelter or rescue. Or dumping the pet, or turning it out to fend for itself.
Shelters and rescues everywhere are already over capacity. Even if you adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue as a gift for someone else, it doesn’t help empty out the shelter or rescue if that animal is going to be right back in there after Christmas.
Instead of live pets, give the gift of assistance with adoption costs
If you really want to give the gift of a pet, make sure that this gift will be a welcome one. Rather than gift the pet at Christmas, wait until things have calmed down after the holidays. Discuss it with the intended recepients. Offer to pay some or all of the adoption costs. That way you can be sure that the gift of a pet is a welcome one. And then consider adopting from a rescue near you.
*** Nanook and Nakoda’s Big Paw Rescue is actively looking for fosters and donations. To learn more about how you can help, please contact us or donate through our Facebook fundraisers.Our current Facebook fundraising campaign is here: Fundraiser for NaNook and Nakoda’s Big Paw Rescue
