Is it a Good Idea to Give a Pet as a Gift?
While some people may think giving a pet as a gift during the holiday season is a good idea, is it really?
Giving a puppy or a kitten, or even an older animal, as a gift during the holiday season may sound like a great idea to some, but it may not be.
This time of the year is stressful as it is for some people and the demands of caring for a new pet can only heighten that stress.
But if a new pet is part of the plan, perhaps consider waiting until after the holiday season is over and life settles down before brining one into your home.
This brings us to this week's question?
Is it a good idea to give a pet as a gift? Tell us in comments below.
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Trey Burley
11:12 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
No, it's never a good idea to get a pet as a gift. Most pet adoption agencies (the good ones anyway) will screen if the pet is a gift or not. Granted you could lie, but you probably didn't know that they would ask that question. The pet could be the wrong size, color, age, sex or maybe the person didn't know that the pet would take that much work.
Even if you're getting the pet for your children, the bulk of the work will be done on your end. Are you ready to do that work?
Most adoption agencies will also sell gift certificates. That gift certificate won't guarantee a certain pet, but it will cover the adoption cost. If the person is really in it for the pet then that's the best way to go.
Ann A. Jones
10:23 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Certainly never give a "surprise" pet. But if there is someone who wants a pet and knows what they are getting in it, it would be a wonderful thing to aid in financially. If it's OK with mom and dad, it would be a great gift from a grandparent. The primary pet caregiver needs to be on board, which is usually an adult, no matter how much the kids want the puppy!
I am chuckling with this as I just got a new kitten for Christmas! Of course, I am 57 with 2 other cats, and have planned for this little one for a long time. We have no family near us, no one much will be here, just the of us old fuds, and it is a great time for us.
The most important things are planning, preparation and permission.
Scott R
12:41 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
NEVER a good idea. I was once surprised with the gift of an Irish Setter, and that dog was hell on me. The person who gave her to me must've HATED me.
What *would* be a good pet gift idea might be a "gift certificate" or "promise to pay adoption fees" with the local shelter, though! My current dog came from Cherokee's shelter, and he's an INCREDIBLE dog.