We’ve seen it time and time again in the movies – giving a pet as a surprise gift for Christmas. While this may be an “aww” moment on film, this is a big no-no in real life.
There are many, many reasons why you should never give a pet as a surprise holiday gift, some of which we will go over here shortly. Before we dive into that, we want to point out that taking on the responsibility of a pet is a major decision that should not be taken lightly. If you are thinking about adopt a pet, it is important that you sit down with your Sykesville vet and discuss what you are looking for, as well as what some of the responsibilities that come along with pet ownership are. Please do not give a pet as a gift this holiday season to get in someone else’s good graces, make your kids happy, or any other reason.
There is a right way to adopt a pet during the holidays that will be a much more beneficial situation for everyone involved. Before we look at how to adopt a pet over the holiday, let’s go over some of the reasons why should never gift someone a pet as a surprise holiday gift.
The Holidays are Stressful Enough
The holidays are a notoriously stressful time of year for most people. From family in town to all the shopping, cleaning, and cooking that needs to get done, you can easily see why throwing a pet (unexpectedly) into the mix is a recipe for disaster. Nor does any animal deserve to be introduced to their new family in a scary and chaotic environment.
A Pet is NOT a Toy
If you are thinking about gifting your children a pet for Christmas, stop right there. Pets are not toys. They are living, breathing creatures that require love, time, and commitment, not to mention the financial responsibility involved with raising one. Even if your little one has been begging you for a pet, we encourage you to wait until after the holidays and pick out a pet to adopt together as a family.
Puppy Mills, Cruel Breeders, and Pet Stores with Bad Intentions
As the holidays get closer, it seems more and more inhumane, irresponsible, and simply bad news businesses and breeders come out of the woodwork. It is important for you to take your time and do your research when adopting a pet, as there are many outfits out there with bad intentions and terrible pet breeding practices.
Consider the Following before Adopting a Pet
The fact of the matter is that pets should never be given as surprise gifts. It’s as simple as that. Do your research and make sure everyone involved is on board before bringing a new pet home.
Let’s now look at a few considerations when adopting a pet during the holidays:
- Do your research. We cannot drive home this point enough. Before you even step foot into a shelter or rescue agency, make sure you do your research and have a good handle on the breeds that will match your lifestyle and budgetary needs.
- Be patient. Dogs, just like people, need time to adjust to new settings and form relationships and bonds. If you adopt during the holidays, this will be even more crucial, as this time of year is stressful enough for people.
- Be prepared. Make sure you have everything you need to make your new pet comfortable and well-cared for before adopting. This means getting a dog or cat bed, toys, food, treats, water and food dishes, a crate, and so on.
For more information on adopting a pet during the holidays, or why you should never give a pet as a surprise gift, please contact our office.
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