Everyone has holiday shopping on their mind this time of year and we all want to find the best gifts for our friends and families. It’s very common for kids to ask for a new pet at Christmas time, and if you’re like a lot of parents out there, you’re probably considering it. After all, who doesn’t want to see that look of delight on their child’s face when they find out that they got the new puppy or kitten they’ve always wanted!
In all honesty, it really is best not to give pets as gifts, especially to children. Animals require a lot of time and at least a 10-year commitment. It is best to get one as a family decision.
Here’s why pets don’t make good gifts for the holidays:
The Receiver of the Pet May Lose Interest Or Not Want a Pet
Even adults can get tired of gifts after the excitement wears off, but kids are especially notorious for losing interest in their gifts shortly after they receive them. The newness and anticipation of getting the gift keep their interest and excitement for a while, but that burns out quick. Ask your child what he got for Christmas last year. Chances are he won’t even remember most of it and it’s likely he doesn’t play with it anymore either.
Eventually, that new pet might become nothing more than a chore he hates doing every day. Or, even more likely, it will be added to your list of daily chores. The last thing you want is to bring an animal into your home only to have the recipient lose interest and not give it the attention it deserves. Then you might be forced to make the decision of finding a new home for the animal, which can be extremely hard to do.
Caring for a Pet Long Term Can Be Expensive
There’s a lot of financial responsibility that goes along with owning a pet. Will the person receiving this gift be able to afford the animal:
One Time Expenses:
- Spay/Neuter or sterilization is my preferred method.
- Initial Medical Exam
- Collar/Harness/Leash
- Litter Box
- Crate
- food/water bowls
- nail trimmer (dremal)
- brush for grooming
On-Going Expenses
- Food
- Litter
- cat nip
- Scratching Posts
- Medical Exams
- Toys
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Pet Sitter/Dog Walker
- Treats
- Training
Time involved
Animals need love and attention. If you want a well-behaved dog daily walks are a must. Does the person you want to get the animal for have the time to spend with the pet?
If You Still Want to Give a Pet as a Holiday Gift
If you still want to give a pet as a holiday gift there are some things you should do first. DO NOT ever give a pet as a complete surprise! Have a serious conversation with the new pet owner ahead of time. Be sure they are ready for the commitment of time and energy and the responsibility of owning a pet. Find out how they plan to contribute to the financial expense of buying food and supplies, as well as medical care. Even young kids can help out around the house as a way to help pay for their pet’s expensive. This will teach them about responsibility, too.
It’s also important to make sure everything the pet needs is ready to go when you bring it home. Don’t just show up with a new puppy and no leash and collar, food, crate, and bowls. Plan on buying those to give with the new pet or have the new pet owner get them ahead of time.
In Conclusion
When deciding to give a pet as a gift, you must make sure the whole family is on board. Include the recipient and the rest of their household in the decision making the process to save a lot of heartache down the road for everyone involved, including the new pet.