Holding Off on Pets as Presents

As holiday shopping begins in earnest today, American Humane is suggesting that giftgivers hold off on the decision to buy a pet until after the holidays. “There are millions of animals at local shelters that need homes. However, giving a pet as a surprise gift is never a good idea, especially during the holidays,” says American Humane president and CEO Marie Belew Wheatley. “The holidays are stressful for everyone, including animals. By surprising people with a pet, you are assuming they have the financial, emotional and time resources necessary to care for an animal, as well as the desire to care for a living being for the long term.”

Some tips from American Humane:

• The choice of a pet should be made by the person who will be taking care of the pet.
• A pet can overwhelm a family, especially when it is a surprise.
• Before purchasing or adopting a pet, educate yourself on the breeds as well as how to give an animal a good home and the long-term commitment of owning a pet.
• The holidays are just too hectic for a new pet; a calmer time of year is a wiser choice to bring a pet in to into the home. children can confuse proper treatment of an animal with the excitement of new toys. Pets need a calm, safe place where they can feel comfortable and begin to acclimate to their new surroundings.
• The irregular schedules during the holidays can make families miss out on the best opportunity to train a young pet.
• If you’re set on a pet as a gift, as a local shelter for a gift certificate so the family can make the best decision about the breed, age and size of the pet during a calmer time of the year.

Related posts:

1. Choosing Alternatives to a Puppy for Christmas
2. Helping Shelters–With Holiday Parties
3. October Named Adopt-A-Dog Month
4. Holiday Tip from Cesar Millan: Don’t Give a Puppy
5. Honoring Mom and Helping Dogs