When The Pet Is The Present

Is it a good idea to buy a pet for a gift?

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: December 1, 2006 - 4:14 PM

Around the holidays there are a lot of ads for Christmas puppies and kittens for sale. Is it a good idea to buy a pet for a gift? It all depends on the person's individual circumstances.

As a rule, pets should never be given as presents unless it has been discussed in advance. It's not fair to give a living creature as a surprise present. You may be paying for the initial cost, however that initial cost is nothing compared to the rest of the pets life.

Giving A Surprise Pet To A Child

Having a pet can be very rewarding for a child. It can teach them responsibility and it's proven that children with pets are overall happier. If the person you are giving the pet to is your own child, it can be a surprise, but only under the condition that you, yourself, as a parent want the pet as much as the child and you are ready and willing to take on the work of the new pet.

When It's OK To Buy A Pet As A Present

When the pet was already decided upon before the holiday season. When the person you are buying the pet for is well aware of your intentions, and has given it a lot of thought and has done a lot of research on the type of pet, ongoing cost, time and care involved in keeping the pet. This especially goes for puppies. If all parties are in agreement and the pet would have been adopted with or without the upcoming Holiday season, it's OK to wait until the holidays to adopt the pet.

Page 15 has a related article, which you'll want to read, on keeping pets safe and happy this holiday season.

Adapted from www.dogbreedinfo.com.

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