Pets for Christmas?
Are you thinking of buying a pet as a gift for a loved-one this Christmas?
That is a STUPID idea!
I’m sure you mean well. Giving someone a pet as a present is perhaps a sweet sentiment, but it’s not really fair to the gift pet.
If you give someone a pet you absolutely have to be 100% sure:
- They want a pet
- They are allowed to get a pet where they live
- A member of their family/housemate isn’t allergic to that pet
- They want that specific species
- They want that specific breed
- They can afford to care for the pet
- They have actually TOLD you they want to get that pet.
… And even then I wouldn’t recommend it.
Many unwanted (or perhaps just unaffordable) gift pets end up abandoned and/or in shelters. During the festive season there is also an increase of people just abandoning their pets when they go on holiday or simply leave them at home, alone and unattended. Animal Rescue shelters reach crisis time during the December holidays, due to the shear number of inmates. Many of them run out of food and space.
This festive season, if you’re thinking about getting a pet, rather adopt than buy. Go to your local shelter and find a friend who will love you forever for giving them a new home.
Don’t however adopt a pet as a gift for someone else. You don’t want the poor animal to be recycled and simply end up back at the shelter.
Related Websites 
A3 says:
November 27th, 2009 at 8:17 AM
WOW! I am shocked to read this post since I was planning on buying a puppy for my little niece for her b-day on 6 December. I was looking for places where I could find such a gift and came across this blog.
I think what you say is true and I never thought about it in this way. It opened my eyes but most importantly, my mind, and I will not be getting Michelle a puppy for her b-day anymore. But now you will have to give me an idea what to get her in stead…any ideas? LOL
Animal Spirit says:
November 27th, 2009 at 8:25 AM
Well if Michelle has asked her parents for a puppy or if she really loves dogs, it’s probably okay to give her a puppy if you ask her parents first if it’s okay. Also her parents be willing to take care of the puppy, because often parents end up taking care of children’s pets. I suggest checking a shelter. They usually have puppies too not only older dogs and it might cost less (depending on what kind of puppy you were planning to get).
As far as other gift options go how old is Michelle?
A3 says:
November 27th, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Michelle is turning 5, getting ready to go to school next year and she loves all animals except bugs and creepy crawlies like lizards and geckos. I saw some nice educational toys for her on Kalahari and will rather get her something from there. Thanks.