7 Questions to Consider Before Picking a Pet as a Holiday Gift

It's a classic holiday movie scene, replayed in many films and considered by well-meaning parents, grandparents and others. But is it really a good idea to give a live animal as a holiday gift? How can the gift giver discern whether a pet will make a suitable present, particularly for a child?

Top seven questions for a would-be pet giver

Here are seven practical questions you might ask yourself before presenting a real-live pet to a youngster (or anyone) for the holidays.

Does the intended holiday gift recipient really want a pet?

Before selecting a kitten, puppy, bird, fish, gerbil, hamster or other pet for a holiday gift recipient, you will want to be sure that person will actually be pleased with the idea. Is this individual an animal lover?

All too often, critter enthusiasts may assume that others share their passion for pets, when they may not. It would be unfortunate indeed for an innocent animal to become an unwelcome holiday gift.

Is the intended gift recipient capable of caring for a pet's daily needs?

Even a love of animals is not enough, however. If you intend to present a pet to someone special for Christmas, Hanukkah or another holiday, you will likely consider whether that individual is equipped (emotionally, physically and otherwise) to provide for the animal's daily needs for the long term.

How many gifted pets end up in animal shelters in the weeks after a major holiday? This is a sad truth.

If the recipient is a child, are his or her parents willing to take on the responsibilities of caring for a pet?

Obviously, youngsters may fully intend to handle the care of a beloved pet, but many children lack the maturity to follow through. Eventually, parents may be left with the tasks of feeding, watering, exercising and seeing to the animal's needs.

As a thoughtful pet presenter, you will want to check with parents first, before giving a live animal to a youngster as a holiday gift. By no means should a pet be produced as a surprise to the parents, even if the gift is kept secret from the child until the holiday arrives.

Does anyone in the gift recipient's household suffer from pet allergies?

This is a very valid medical concern in many homes and warrants advance inquiry. Many gifted pets land in animal rescue centers after holidays, simply because their recipients were allergic to them.

Please ask about animal allergies before choosing to give a pet as a holiday gift.

Can the family afford to care for a pet?

Domesticated animals can add considerably value to a family in many ways, but these dependent creatures also add to daily, weekly, monthly and annual household expenses.

Especially in difficult economic times, the gift of a pet may seem like a thoughtful gesture, but it may actually add to an individual or family's economic hardship. For example, giving a kitten, a puppy or even a goldfish to someone who has been unemployed for an extended period of time might be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.

Without prying for specific personal financial details, you may want to consider whether your intended holiday gift recipient might appreciate a grocery or restaurant gift certificate this year, rather than another mouth to feed.

Is the family facing a crisis or particularly stressful period right now?

A cuddly and affectionate pet may provide comfort for its owner, particularly during times of trouble. But a brand-new animal need not be introduced into a home during peak stressful times.

Perhaps it is not such a great idea to give a live animal as a holiday gift to someone who is grieving a lost loved one, going through a difficult divorce, planning to relocate cross-country soon or facing another major life change.

The added responsibilities of caring for a new pet might seem overwhelming during such days. What's more, the pet might face adjustment challenges, entering a home in transition or turmoil.

What sort of pet would be most suitable for the gift recipient's living situation?

Finally, after pondering these considerations, if you determine that a pet will make a suitable holiday gift for someone special, you will want to evaluate what sort of animal is most fitting.

For example, a farm family with plenty of fenced acreage might be pleased with a field dog, while apartment dwellers may be more content with a kitty, a guinea pig, a turtle or tropical fish. An animal lover who lives in a remote woodsy cabin may welcome a large and extra-alert watchdog, but one who resides in a suburban neighborhood might prefer a quiet, child-friendly breed instead. Before picking a pet to give, you will do well to familiarize yourself with the intended recipient's lifestyle.

Here is the secret: the most thoughtful and fitting gifts are always given with the recipients' best interests in mind.