While it may sound like a great idea to buy someone you know a dog this holiday season, experts advise that you properly think it through first. A dog or pet isn’t your ordinary gift and it isn’t something that should be purchased on a whim and without careful consideration.
A live gift may sound like a fun idea for the person but is it really such a great idea for the pet? In some cases it may be but in many, it is not. Giving a pet/dog as a surprise gift during the holidays is never a good idea. If it turns out the person doesn’t really want the dog or isn’t able to care for it, the pet may end up at the local animal shelter and the person you gave it to may feel bad for not wanting your live gift.
On the flip side, the receiver may feel obligated to keep it because you gave it to them but may not be capable of giving the dog the proper care that it needs. This is how many pets end up abused or neglected. Obtaining a pet isn’t much different than a baby. It will require constant care and attention. An emotional bond needs to be formed between the pet and owner. When pets are given as gifts, these circumstances are not always met which is especially bad for the pet.
When you surprise someone with a pet gift, you are assuming they have the time, emotional connection and financial means of caring for that pet but this may not always be true.
Here are some reasons not to give pets/dogs as gifts this holiday season:
- Pets demand a great deal of time to care for
- Pets require a financial commitment (which can be a problem if the pet is a surprise
- Many families travel during the holiday season, making it hard to care for and train a new pet
- A pet gift is a personal gift choice
- Pets/dogs are family members, too
- The best choice about what breed of pet/dog is best for a family can only be made by that family
- In the months after a holiday season, animal shelters see a surge of animals come in
So are there any times when it might be a good idea to give pets or dogs as gifts? Possibly, for example, if your family has already discussed getting a dog and you want to buy one as a holiday gift for the whole family, this could be a great idea. If your child has always wanted a puppy and you have made a family decision that you are ready for the responsibility, Christmas or the holiday season could be a great way to introduce the new family member. The same applies to a pet gift from spouse to spouse. In general, however, a gift pet should never be a surprise and the dog itself should be chosen by the family.
