Tips for Deciding If Buying that Holiday Pet is the Right Idea

When the holidays roll around, many children always want that puppy under the tree, the rabbit in their basket, and a kitten for their birthday. Many people buy these gifts without giving it a second thought, but really, should you buy a pet as a gift?

Generally, the answer here is no. Not only is buying a pet for a gift bad for the pet itself, it can be bad for you.

First, pets cannot be played with once or twice and tossed aside like many other gifts. Children in general, aren't always responsible, especially at a very young age. Pets are a life long commitment and that must be remembered when you purchase a pet. They can't just be tossed aside.

You need to know the person you're buying a pet for. Older people, people whom are pet lovers are more prone to love and enjoy the pet for years. You shouldn't just spring the pet on a person either, especially on families with children. This looks bad on your behalf because you did not think through your purchase, nor did you run it by the parents first before the purchase. This creates a burden on the family because they must accept the gift or else you'll find it rude, or they'll refuse and now you are stuck with a pet you weren't really interested in yourself either. Your best bet is to stand back and pick another gift.

Some families just do not have time at this point in their lives to handle taking care of pets. A pet will just be another burden for them. Do you really want to add stress to the family by inserting a pet into a home where it will only cause strife and grief and not enjoyment?

Buying a pet isn't always a bad idea, sometimes it can be good, but the idea of bringing a new pet home during the hustle and bustle of the holidays is a bad one. Instead of giving the puppy on Christmas (or that other special holiday), obtain a picture of the pet and hang it on the tree as an ornament and include gifts such as a leash, bowls or other toys as part of the gift. After the holiday season is over, pick up the pet. This way, the pet will have all the families love and attention, and not just attention whenever someone can hand it over.

If buying a pet is on your list of things to get this season, at least take a few moments to think through your purchase, think about who the gift is going to, and if they are ready and able to care and love a pet for all of their years. If the child is young, are they responsible enough so all the care isn't placed onto an adult? If you're buying a pet for an older person, do they love animals and have the time and energy to care for them? Pets are a lot of work after all, not just something you can place water and food in front of every day and expect it to fend for itself the rest of the time.

I hope, with the above suggestions, you'll think long and hard before you buy that next holiday pet!