Surprising your son, daughter, friend, or relative with a pet as a present may seem thoughtful, but it typically doesn’t end well for the cat, dog or other critter. Thousands of them are surrendered to animal shelters by March, some as soon as the first of the New Year simply because families or new owners weren’t prepared for the care and responsibility.
Here are a few reasons why giving pets as surprise Christmas gifts, or any kind of gift, is a bad idea.
Pets and Pet Owners need a Relationship
It’s pretty well known or accepted that the bond between pet and pet owner needs to be very strong and present right from the beginning. You can’t go out and pick just any dog or cat.
It is also tough to build that relationship during such a busy time of year. The surprise pet is already stressed at having been moved, of being introduced to a totally new environment from the pet store or family or shelter that he’s been used to, and really needs a quiet, calm environment. This quieter, calmer time is also necessary for pets and pet owners to establish a routine. With the chaos surrounding the whole holiday season, pets are often neglected.
Pets Require Time, Money and Responsibility
Pets should not be surprise gifts because, particularly for new pet owners, some families are completely unprepared and overwhelmed by the care and expense that a new pet requires. Puppies and kittens especially, but adult dogs, too.
Typically, the larger the dog, the larger the expense for vet care and dog food and the bigger the clean-up both in-house and outside.
Everything that the animal needs to be properly cared for should be discussed and planned well in advance, including the kind and size of dog that best suits families’ individual home situations. Preparation includes realizing how decorations, foods and busyness at Christmastime can be frightening to animals.
Pet-friendly Alternatives
One alternative is to buy the pet supplies for Christmas and leave choosing the puppy or kitten or whatever, until after things have settled down.
Buy a stuffed animal and give that as a “pet-promise” gift, or perhaps several small stuffed animals which might help your child decide which pet to get, and, when things are calmer, go out and choose one.
Another idea is to make a donation to a local animal shelter. They’re always needing food and bedding and other supplies to care for the animals they take in.
Sources:
1. Giving Pets as Gifts…Here’s Why It’s a Bad Idea. Johnson-Bennett, Pam. Cat Behavior Associates. Web. Dec 9, 2013.
http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/giving-pets-as-gifts-heres-why-its-a-bad-idea/
2. Will You Be Getting a Pet for Christmas? PetMD. Web. Dec 9, 2013.
http://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_pets_for_christmas#.UqXwnOIX1pU
3. Pets as gifts. BC SPCA. Web. Dec 9, 2013.
http://www.spca.bc.ca/pet-care/health-safety/pets-as-gifts.html
4. No pets please plea for Christmas presents. Williamson, Brett. 891ABC Adelaide. Web. Dec 9, 2013.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/12/15/3093474.htm
Reviewed December 9, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith