As you can see in this video compilation of people getting puppies for Christmas, a puppy in a little wrapped box is sure to delight anyone who opens it.
However, there are many important factors to consider before giving someone a cuddly and lovable pet as a gift. You should seriously consider the following factors before putting a puppy under someone's tree, recommends Paws:
1. Pets are a huge responsibility. They need time, dedication, lots of love, exercise and patience, and they often live upwards of 10 years. Is your loved one ready for the commitment of owning a pet?
2. They are an added expense. Food, litter boxes, visits to the veterinarian, leashes, treats, grooming, surgeries - this adorable critter will become a part of the recipient's family. Are you 100 percent sure they can shoulder the expense?
3. Bringing a new animal into the house during Christmas can be stressful for the pet as well as its new owner. The holidays are a stressful time, with guests and dinners and obligations, and the pet's new owners may actually not have the time to dedicate their full attention to getting the new addition acclimated to its new surroundings. The pet may also be highly stressed by so much activity in its new home, so the holidays may not be the best time to bring them in.
4. The pet, or breed, may not be a good fit. Even if you know the recipient very well, you may not realize that they would resent having to take a super-active dog out for a walk two or three times a day. Maybe they're planning on moving to a smaller place, so even though that golden retriever puppy is tiny now, it will grow to be a big dog and may not fit their lifestyle.
Once you've considered all of these factors, you may be thinking again about gifting an animal. However, a good way to go about giving an animal as a present is to make your loved one a gift certificate for one new pet, says the SPCA of British Columbia. Include the cost of a pet adoption, and a package with a collar, toys, leash and a book about caring for a new pet. This way, a new pet can be discussed, researched, selected and adopted after the stress of the holidays has worn off. The pet will get the attention and preparation that it deserves, and the new owners will be positive that they're up for the challenge.
