Pets Don't Make the Best Christmas Gift

You've got the whole thing figured out. Your kids come downstairs on Christmas morning, anxious to tear into their presents from Santa Claus. They'll immediately go for that big, shiny package with the bright red bow. Upon tearing off the lid, the most darling black lab puppy will jump out with a red bow tied around his collar, licking and wiggling and whining to greet his new owners. It's just perfect, isn't it?

What you did NOT picture is what happens the day after Christmas, or more likely the night of Christmas. You have to get out of bed at least three times, throw on some slippers and a robe and walk this adorable puppy outside to take a leak. Then, you return to work only to come home and find that this adorable puppy has chewed through three of your best pairs of shoes and the electrical cables behind your big screen television.

After cleaning up his three leaky messes in the carpet and the pile of poop by the back door, you just want to sit down and relax, but then you are prompted to take him for a walk because he won't stop chewing your fingers and trying to play in the kitchen garbage can.

You can't take your eyes off him for more than a minute, or he'll be chewing something else or peeing on the floor.

Having a puppy is just about as much work as having a newborn at home!

For this reason, it is rarely ever a good idea to buy a pet as a Christmas gift. Pets require planning, preparation and lots of patience. Did you ever stop to think that the recipient of this "gift" may not be prepared or able to take care of a new puppy or kitten?

A better idea, if you really want to give the gift of a pet this Christmas, is to get a gift certificate from a local animal shelter. You can pay the adoption cost up front, and then your gift recipient can come select his or her own pet. Maybe they'll want a smaller dog that doesn't need as much space, or maybe they'd prefer a bigger dog as a companion. Either way, there is far more flexibility by giving a gift certificate, and then, even if a pet isn't the right gift for them, they will not be faced with finding a new home for it or returning it to the shelter.

If you choose to go the route of a gift certificate, you can also wrap up some cute pet supplies, like a leash and collar, food dishes or pet toys to compliment the gift.

Make it a happy Christmas this year for you AND a shelter pet. Think carefully before buying a new pet as a Christmas gift.