A puppy or kitten is NOT the perfect gift

As the Christmas season approaches, we are all racking our brains to find the perfect gift for our family and friends, at the right price.  Before you are tempted by the “doggie in the window” at the pet shop remember  that even if you know your friend, mother, sister, niece or nephew would love nothing more than a beautiful fluffy puppy or kitten, it is rarely a good idea to spring this sort of surprise on someone.  Here’s why.

1. Choice. Choosing the right dog for a family is a very important decision.  You need to consider a range of elements to make sure the “fit” is right.  Imagine giving a dog with a coat that sheds to someone with asthma, for example.  Such a choice should only be made after a wide range of breeds have been researched, taking account of the pet’s size, temperament, “running costs”, health issues, grooming, training and exercise needs.  Sadly many people see a “puppy in the window” and make an impulsive decision – meaning many pets are eventually homeless.  The research should be as much as if you were choosing a new home or a new car – a pet is not a disposable item – the idea is that the animal will be in it’s home for at least 10 years, and more often than not, considerably longer.

2. Timing – The best time to introduce a pet into a home  is not when there is maximum of stress and activity.  Introducing a pet to a new home is much better if it can be done in a calm environment where time can be given to raising your pet well.  If you have an older adopted dog, it’s important to help them adjust and thrive in a new environment.

3. Think of the running costs. Imagine telling someone, “I bought you an education”, where in fact you paid for one term’s tuition.  Just as the cost of the dog or cat is not the main cost in raising a pet – in fact the initial cost is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the costs associated with owning a pet in the long run. Check out how much it can cost to raise your pet 

And it’s not just food and vet’s bills.  Maybe a bigger car is needed to transport a big dog, or as was the case with an old friend of mine whose dog developed dysplasia – they had to build a ramp in their home to accommodate their labrador!

Not sure if giving a gift which has an ongoing cost obligation for 10 years or more is really going to mean a Merry Christmas!  Of course you can help by including some pet insurance to help with the inevitable vet’s bills!

4. Dogs and cats deserve to be treated with respect. Many pets given as gifts come from pet shops and are obtained from unethical sources like puppy mills and backyard breeders.  We need to put a stop to this practice, but the first step is to put them out of business by not buying dogs and cats from pet shops.  Then of course there are all the rescue organisations which are filled to the brim with dumped dogs and cats.  Give one of them a home instead.   Truly responsible breeders and good shelter organizations like www.doggierescue.com.au  will not just send any dog to any home; they want to send every dog to the right home, which means screening individual dogs and adopters to ensure the best possible matches.

Related posts:

1. A pet piccie is the perfect gift – here’s how
2. Help your dog with separation anxiety
3. Do you pass the responsible pet owner test?
4. The silly season is here again
5. Protect yourself from rising vet bills