The Christmas holiday is not the greatest time to give pets or to incorporate new pets into the family unit. If you plan to give a pet as a gift, there are some steps necessary in order to avoid making a mistake.
First, you must realize that pets are not things, nor unfeeling possessions. They have feelings, and they need care and dedication. Some pets, like birds and reptiles, have very long lifespans. These are not temporary gifts, they are long-term responsibilities and as such, they require that the recipient is committed to providing all that is needed for these beings’ happiness and wellbeing. Second, if you decided to buy the pet, consider including the food, cages, or items necessary for the recipient to have an easier transition into caring for them. A great idea would be to buy pet health insurance! If it is an exotic pet like a guinea pig or lizard, make sure to include a book or magazine that provides advice about the husbandry of those species. Better yet, include a gift certificate to a veterinarian for a quick office visit and opportunity to learn about the proper care of the new pet. Your veterinarian can assess the health of the pet prior to being given away, that way you ensure that you gave away a healthy pet. Also, most breeders and pet shops have policies that require a vet visit within 48 hours of purchase in order to validate their guarantees. Third, you must consider the ability of the recipient to take care of the pet. If you plan to gift pets to children, you must consult with their parents first. Is the recipient able to financially support the care of that new pet addition? Are there other pets in the household that could be affected by bringing in a new pet? Is the lifestyle of that recipient compatible with the kind of pet that you selected? Remember to inquire if the recipient has preferences for a certain trait or qualities in the desired companion and try to match those with your purchased one. The Holiday season can be quite noisy and busy which makes integrating a new pet and socialization a bit more difficult. If you realize that from the pet’s perspective this is a big scary change in circumstances then you’ll have more empathy and perhaps delay getting the pet until after the Holiday. Perhaps a gift certificate to a particular shelter might make more sense, that way you give something in the stocking but the recipient can have the ultimate choice. Lastly, remember to adopt instead of shopping for the pet. There are multiple shelters and purebred rescues that can adopt out wonderful dogs, cats, birds, and other exotics. Several of those shelters include a free month of pet healthcare and a free veterinary visit which makes it a more affordable gift. Wouldn’t you feel better to have saved a life? After all, Christmas is all about opening our hearts to love, family, and friendships.