When a special occasion or holiday rolls around, you may feel the urge to give a heartfelt and memorable gift. For some, this might mean surprising a loved one with a new dog or cat. However, it’s important to remember that pets are not just gifts but long-term commitments that require careful consideration and planning.

Why Pets Shouldn’t Be Given as Gifts

Giving a pet as a gift can lead to unforeseen problems and challenges for both the new owner and the pet themselves. Dogs and cats require significant time, effort, and resources to care for. If someone isn’t prepared, the recipient and the pet can suffer.

All too often, pets that were given as spontaneous gifts end up being surrendered to shelters once the initial excitement wears off or when the owner is unable to cover care expenses. This severely affects the pet’s quality of life and long-term behavior and adds to the overwhelming number of animals already in need of homes.

Important Considerations Before Giving a Pet as a Gift

If you’re thinking about giving a pet as a gift, you need to thoroughly evaluate several key factors.

Size and Space Requirements

Different pets have different needs. For example, a large dog breed or high energy dog breed will require ample space to roam and play, while a cat might need less room but still require a safe and enriching environment.

Training and Behavior Needs

Pets, especially young ones, need training and proactive socialization. This involves time, patience, money, and often professional support. If someone isn’t prepared for this, it can get frustrating very quickly.

Veterinary Care

Find a veterinarian you trust in your area and establish a good relationship with them. When you get a new pet, you will want to have an initial exam, potentially followed by a series of visits if you have a puppy or kitten.

Primary Responsibility

Who will be responsible for the pet’s daily care? Will it be the gift recipient or someone else in the household? It’s common for the novelty of a new pet to wear off, leading to neglect if responsibilities are not clearly established.

Time Commitment

Caring for a pet takes a lot of time. They need to be fed, exercised, groomed, given enrichment, and more. Someone needs to be ready to dedicate this time every single day for years.

Financial Aspects

Pets are expensive to care for. Consider the costs of food, veterinary care, grooming, toys, supplies, pet sitting, and more. Some breeds are predisposed to certain medical issues and have special needs. Make sure the potential owner is financially prepared and wants to spend money on these ongoing expenses.

When It Might Be Okay to Give a Pet as a Gift

While giving a pet as a gift is generally not recommended, there can be certain situations where it might be considered

Gifting to Your Child(ren)

If you’re considering getting a new pet for your child, ensure your spouse or partner is also fully on board, if needed. Ultimately, an adult will be the one responsible for the pet’s care if your child can’t keep up with the daily care.

Collaborative Decisions

Only consider gifting a pet if the recipient has expressed a clear and consistent desire for one. It helps if they’ve had previous pets and understand the responsibilities and commitment involved.

If you do choose to gift a pet to someone, ensure that they have the necessary supplies to care for said pet. This includes food and water bowls, pet food, toys, a leash, collar, and bed.

Alternatives to Gifting a Pet

There are many thoughtful alternatives to celebrate a special occasion or a love for animals without the immediate responsibility of owning a pet.

Fostering

If you want to give a dog or cat as a gift to a spouse or your children, fostering is the perfect first step. Fostering a pet is a temporary situation until that animal finds their forever home, allowing your family to determine if adoption is the right choice for everyone.

Animal Sponsorships and Donations

Donate to an animal shelter in the recipient’s name or sponsor an animal’s care.

A Gift Certificate for a Future Pet

This allows you to give the recipient a new pet without taking the plunge and giving the physical animal. They can pick out what they really want when they’re prepared for the responsibility.

A Pet Matching Service

Consider connecting with a certified dog or cat trainer who offers a matching service and gifting the service to your friend or family member. This way, they can be set up for success and get support in finding the right pet for their lifestyle.

Pet Supplies and Gift Cards

Give pet-related gifts such as toys, gift cards for pet supplies or training services, or books about pet care and training. This supports the recipient when they decide to bring a new pet home themselves.

Volunteer Together

Arrange to volunteer with an animal rescue or shelter together, fostering a shared experience without the long-term commitment. This can be great for prospective first-time pet owners to learn about pet care and responsibility. They may even find a good match and adopt a new pet!

Ultimately, pets are not gifts that should be given lightly. They are living, beings that require love, time, and resources. Before giving a pet as a gift, take the time to evaluate all the factors and make a responsible decision. There are plenty of other ways to share the joy of animals without the risk of unexpected and unsuccessful pet ownership. By understanding and considering the importance of these aspects, we can ensure that all pets find loving and well-prepared homes rather than being a fleeting gesture.