Are pets good gifts?

Perhaps you think it would be a great gift to surprise a family member or friend with a pet. But in reality, this could be one of the worst gifts you can give someone. Yes, the kitten is cute or the puppy is moving, but does the person really want this pet? Is it the right pet? Choosing a pet is a very personal decision. It should not be done by someone else.

Your gift can tie the person to a time commitment that they are not interested in fulfilling.

A pet requires a lot of attention. They need to be fed, walked and trained. When a person goes on vacation or travels, arrangements must be made for the care of the pet. Having a pet is a long-term commitment. On average, a dog can live 12 years, a cat 15 years, and a larger bird for decades.

Your donation may burden the person with financial responsibility that they cannot support.

A pet needs food, vet visits, medicine, toys, and other supplies. A dog owner can spend an average of $ 1,500 a year and a cat owner about $ 1,200 on average, according to the American Pet Products Association. The person may not be ready to handle this level of financial commitment.

Your gift may come at a time when the person is simply not ready for a pet.

The person may still be mourning the death of a beloved pet and simply not ready for a new one. Perhaps the person is preparing for a new job or is thinking about moving. Each of us should be able to decide when and if we are ready to have a pet.

Your donation can put the person in the position of giving up this unwanted pet at an animal shelter.

The pet may not be suitable for a number of reasons and could be unwanted. Depending on where you obtained the pet, the gift recipient may not be able to return it. If they cannot find another owner for the pet, then the pet may end up being placed in an animal shelter. So it is highly likely that this pet will be euthanized, joining the fate of millions of other pets.

Bringing a pet into our home is life changing and something that should be our decision. A pet should not be a gift from a well-meaning friend or relative. If we don’t connect emotionally with the pet, we may be resentful of it and may not be able to fully love it. This would be unfortunate for both the person and the pet. A gift certificate that can be used for pet supplies, training, or lodging would be a much better gift, given after the person has brought their beloved new pet home.