Are You Considering Giving Your Child a Pet for Christmas?

Are you considering giving your child a pet for Christmas? You need to consider more than just fur, fins, or feathers!

Statistics show that many gift pets are either mistreated or given up to shelters. While you surely can't imagine doing such a thing now - neither could the other families who have ended up harming or getting rid of their pets.
Most stories go like this: When they got Fluffy, he was a cute puppy. The kids adored him. He quickly grew into a fifty-pound mutt that wet on the carpet and pulled Dad all over the yard. The kids were busy with soccer and music lessons, and they didn't pay too much attention to Fluffy. One day Fluffy saw a girl dog and pulled Mom right off her feet. Dad insisted on taking Fluffy to the pound.

If you are thinking about a pet for your child, you are really thinking about a pet for you. Although your child may say they will assume care for a pet, chances are they will either lose interest or get busy. Furthermore, children grow faster than pets do. Unless you choose an extremely short-lived pet, there's a good chance you'll care for an animal while your child is away at college. Therefore, you need to be willing to commit, yourself, to the full care of this animal right from the beginning. If you cannot do that - do not get the pet.

Have you researched this type of pet? Have you researched the breed? Do you know what to expect from this animal? Does it fit with your lifestyle? If you have other pets, are you sure they will be compatible? Have you researched how to introduce a new pet into the home? Will you buy from a reputable breeder? Can you have your vet examine the pet before you commit to bringing it home?

Have you pet-proofed your home and made room for this animal? Even if you're planning on this pet being a surprise, you're going to have to take some steps to ensure its safety. You don't want a puppy springing out of a box and electrocuting itself by chewing on an extension cord on Christmas morning (and puppies WILL chew! So will bunnies - and kittens - and ferrets - and birds - and most other pets. If you don't want chewing, get fish.) Be aware of poisonous plants and materials in your home as well. Make sure you have everything your pet may need: leash, litter box, food, dishes, etc.

Is this pet being given to replace another? If so, has sufficient time been given for grieving? While it's natural for Mom and Dad to want to give the kids a new kitten if the family cat has passed away, the kids really do need time to properly say goodbye. Give them a little time before introducing a new family member.

Are you able to care for this type of animal? While young pets are awfully cute, full-grown animals can be a handful. Ten pounds of puppy can grow into eighty pounds of dog, ready to eat you out of house and home! Tiny iguanas can grow into enormous creatures needing specialized housing and care. Even fish can grow quite large. Some animals need specialized food and care. Are you prepared to give it? Do you have a plan for caring for this animal if your economic circumstances change? What if you get sick, lose your job, have to relocate, or something else unforseen happens?

Are you prepared for the inevetable veterinary bills? Shots are absolutely necessary for most mammals, even if they stay indoors 100% of the time. Even if your pet never escapes, your kids could bring a stray animal home or a bat could fly in an open window. Either could have rabies - a death sentence for your pet and a nightmare for your family. Spaying and neutering are a must unless you plan on breeding - and if you plan on breeding your vet expenses will be extraordinarily high. Several species need preventive medicine. What if your pet gets sick?

How will you handle the training of this animal? Dogs need extensive training, and even cats, rabbits, ferrets, and birds need training to a lesser extent. Are you home enough to do so? Are you home enough to give them the exercise they need? If not, can you pay someone to do so?

What will you do to provide for the care of this animal while you are on vacation? Can you have them boarded at your vet? Is there a housesitter or neighbor you can use? Have at least two sources lined up before you need them. Do you have a plan for emergencies such as fires and natural disasters?

If you are giving the pet as a Christmas gift, what will the next few days be like? You don't want to give a pet as a Christmas gift and then immediately depart for Grandma's. The poor pet will be traumatized. If need be, give the child a picture of the puppy you've picked out, and go pick him up from the breeder's when you return. Or give the fish tank as the Christmas present, but wait to pick out the fish until after New Year's.

As you can see, there is far more to consider than just fur, fins, or feathers when thinking about giving a pet as a Christmas gift! It may be that a pet is NOT the best choice for your family. A pet should be a forever friend, not someone who is sadly resigned to a shelter because your family could not train or care for them. Please - take the time to carefully consider this if you're thinking about giving a pet as a Christmas gift.