Buying Someone a Pet for Christmas: Bad Idea

Thoughtful as it might seem, getting someone a pet for Christmas (or as any gift) is a bad idea. I can't tell you how many times at the shelter I would see cages of animals all marked "returned gift." In fact, two of the cats I currently own were marked as such. Ultimately, when one chooses a pet, he or she should be thinking of the animal first. Here are some reasons not to purchase a pet for someone else:

1) It is important that the animal and the owner bond.

How many times have you heard someone say, "I didn't choose my cat or dog but he or she chose me?" The best way to find that unique pet is in fact to spend time at the shelter and see if that pet approaches you. Also, one should observe first hand how that cat or dog behaves in the presence of other animals, as well as strangers. An animal's behavior towards others can give clues into how they will behave towards you.

2) You are likely going to bring home an animal that will be larded with upper respiratory infection and in need of shots.

Yes, that puppy or kitten has an adorable face, but they are houses for sickness and disease. If the person you are buying the pet for already has animals, will this person also have the space available to keep the animal quarantined for at least two weeks? Does this person have money to cover vet costs if the animal does come down with a fever or even something more severe like herpes conjunctivitis? Would this person be willing to wake in the middle of the night to administer proper medication?

3) Put yourself in that animal's shoes (or in this case paws).

How would you feel if you were taken from your tiny metal cage, then brought to some big, unfamiliar place, only to suddenly have to be brought back to the shelter once again?

People don't realize the stress this cases an animal. To remove them from their familiar environment and transport them into a strange place is very scary. It can sometimes take them weeks to adjust. Think about how you might feel. This is stress the animal does not need nor deserve, and it can be avoided simply by having the owner be the one to choose.

While one can understand that gift giving is a nice gesture, pets should be kept out of it. A way of compromise could be to give a card with a dog or cat on it (or the animal of choice) and make the gift be a date to the animal shelter or pet store. Offer to pay the adoption fee and any immediate needs, but allow the person who is adopting to be the one to make that choice. Owning a pet is a long commitment. This is a living being you are speaking about, not an object.