Are you thinking about giving someone a cute and fuzzy companion for Christmas? Just can’t wait to see that look of surprise and delight as they snuggle up for the very first time, transferring that look of joy and affection to you? Hold that thought.
As Daily Paws points out, unlike material things, dogs (or cats) as gifts require lifelong dedication, financial investment, and considerable attention. As the gift that truly keeps giving, pets will significantly impact the recipient’s lifestyle, potentially for the next decade or more. The best rule of thumb is to never surprise someone with a pet; always have discussions before to make sure everyone is on board with the new furry family member.
Here are eight questions to ask yourself before gifting someone a pet this holiday season to ensure pets find—and stay in—their forever homes. Plus, you might prevent potential conflicts and resentment with your loved ones.
Are They Ready for the Cost and Responsibility?
Remember, when you gift a dog, you’re also gifting the responsibilities and expenses that go along with them. Adopting a pet comes with fees ranging from $50 to a few hundred dollars and purchasing a dog from a breeder can be much more. But the real cost of being a dog parent ranges from $400 to $5,130 per year, plus unexpected expenses.
Consider a pet’s age, size, and energy level before committing to one, too. “I’ve had new puppy parents tell me with a hint of regret that they didn’t realize raising a puppy was basically a full-time job for the first few months,” says Amanda Farah, CPDT-KA, national training and behavior coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society.
Similarly, Stephanie Filer, executive director at Shelter Animals Count, a source for animal sheltering data, found that people return dogs after realizing the “unexpected” growth of their large breed puppy.
Are They In It For the Long Haul?
Gifters should have a good idea of the recipient’s five- to ten-year plan because dogs definitely have longer lifespans than the fleeting holiday spirit. If you’re gifting a puppy to your child, remember that you’ll likely become responsible for the dog if and when your young adult moves out.
Is the Pet a Good Fit?
Gifting a surprise puppy also prevents potential pet parents from meeting their future companions before bringing them home. Rather than a surprise, they’ve ideally done their homework on breed temperament and caring for a dog at every stage of life.
“Different dog breeds have varying exercise requirements, so it’s important to match one’s lifestyle with a breed that fits,” says Kevin Puzycki, DVM, spokesperson for Solid Gold. Some folks might be looking for an active hiking buddy, while others might prefer a more laid-back pup who’s all about cuddles.
Puzycki also points out that pet parents should be aware of any potential unknown history and behaviors in rescue dogs. “Adopters should be prepared to invest time and effort in understanding and addressing any behavioral issues to prevent the dog from ending up in a shelter or new home again,” he says.
Is It the Right Time to Bring Home a New Puppy?
The thought of a puppy adorned in a bow under the Christmas tree is a heartwarming one, but is it practical? Think of the food, decorations, and commotion, Farah says. The chaos of the holiday season makes Christmas one of the worst times to bring a new puppy home.
Instead, Farahs suggests the gift of an engravable ID tag and a book about welcoming a new pet home. “Then go to the shelter once the holiday madness ends,” she says. “You can use those few days in between to get everyone on board with a homecoming plan.”
Is Everyone in the Household on Board?
Adults in the household should agree about the type of pet they’d like and how they’ll handle daily responsibilities. If you’re thinking about gifting a puppy to a child for Christmas, Farah reminds us that even the most responsible youngsters will need assistance in caring for their new pet.
“Be ready for feeding, walks, playtime, training, and the extra clean-up that comes with having a pet in the house,” she says. For those who don’t have the time or want for training or braving snowy or rainy weather during puppy potty breaks, a litter box-trained cat could be a better choice.
Keep in mind that while current household pets may enjoy playing with other pets, they may not be thrilled to share their space with another furry friend.
Is Their Housing Situation Appropriate for a Dog?
Your giftee should definitely take their housing situation into account before bringing a new puppy home. Whether they’re renting or own their place, leases and homeowner associations (HOAs) often have rules about the type and number of dogs allowed. If the gifted pet is intended for your own kiddo, make sure to address these details before choosing the right dog.
While dogs of all sizes can generally adapt to life in small apartments or spacious homes with proper exercise, consider factors like the practicality of nighttime potty breaks and access to green spaces for walks and playtime. City dwellers might appreciate a low-maintenance pup like the French bulldog. They have minimal exercise needs, rarely bark, and comfortably curl up on the couch without taking up too much space.
Are You Willing to Provide Support?
According to Farah, access to a post-adoption support system significantly reduces the chances of a pet being surrendered later on. Many shelters offer access to adoption support specialists and low-cost or free behavior consultation or training as part of the adoption process. However, you could also go the extra mile and gift pre-paid training sessions along with the puppy. And it’s always a thoughtful gesture to offer a few future pet-sitting sessions.
Do You Have a Back-up Plan?
In the worst-case scenario, the recipient of the gifted pet realizes pet parenthood isn’t for them. Circumstances may change, and the giftee may find themselves unable to provide the necessary care for the animal, or “your kids will learn how much work goes into having a dog, and they may decide they want a bike instead,” Farah says.
A backup plan might mean returning the pet to the shelter or rescue you adopted them from. Some organizations even allow the return of a pet if things aren’t going well at home. However, many shelters are operating at unprecedented levels of capacity and don’t have the space to accept surrenders. When returning the pet isn’t an option, you may need to rehome them through another reputable organization, or even temporarily foster the pet or adopt them yourself.
“To prevent this from occurring, I highly recommend fostering a dog as a good way to find out if pet parenting is for you and your family,” Farah offers. Typically, rescues provide fosters with all of the supplies and support needed to care for pets while they wait for their forever home. And if you end up falling in love, you won’t be the first “foster fail” to celebrate the season with a new furry family member.
—
Photo Credit: OlgaOvcharenko / Shutterstock.com