Alternatives to Giving Pets as Christmas Gifts

Though images of surprising children on Christmas morning with a puppy or kitty seem tender, live animals are not toys and shouldn't be given as gifts. Even if you don't wrap them up under the tree (very unhealthy and disturbing to the animal), Christmas pets tend to be a huge hit at first, but when the novelty wears off, the recipient is left with an animal that requires care and may even turn out troublesome.

Sadly, many Christmas animals become too much for well-intentioned parents and children to handle and are surrendered to shelters or abandoned. To avoid this gloomy ending, here are five alternatives to giving pets as Christmas presents.

1. Books and Movies about Pet Care- Tell your child that you will agree to getting them a pet once they understand the responsibilities that come with it. They should use these materials as a starting point in their journey to pet ownership. Not only will your child learn more about pet care in general, but they will also pick up on breed specifications and other subtle differences, allowing them to make a better educated choice in pet.

2. Simulated Pets- Virtual pets may be easier to care for than real animals, but many still bring to light the real issues pet owners face. Toys like Tamagotchi Digital Pets or video games such as Nintendogs illustrate the importance of feeding, grooming, cleaning, and attention required while owing a pet. If your child has difficulty keeping these pretend pets alive, then he may reconsider a real one.

3. Zoo Membership- Instead of bringing an animal into the home, consider bringing your child to the animals. Trips to the zoo are a lot of fun for animal loving children. They're also educational; most zoos feature programs that illustrate the care involved in housing these animals and the many issues they face in the wild. This will help children understand that animals aren't toys, they're living creatures.

4. Volunteer Animal "Petter"- Animal shelters are always in need of volunteers. Give your child a card letting her know you'll be taking her to help homeless animals as her gift. While she may be too young to help out with the cleaning and care of the shelter animals, most shelters are happy to have someone come in and entertain the pets. This benefits the pets by stimulating them mentally and emotionally though loving human contact; additionally, your child will not only get her pet fix, but she'll also see firsthand what having an animal is like. Even if she isn't the one doing the dirty work, it's hard to miss others doing it.

An Animal Shelter Gift Card- If you absolutely must give your child a pet for the holidays, reveal it in the form of a gift card. This way, after the holiday stress is lifted, you and your child can focus your attention on the needs of a new pet instead of having animal care to deal with on top of the holidays. Also, it gives your child a chance to pick out the perfect pet for his personality. By making the pet his choice, he'll be more likely to stick with it.