For those who might be thinking about adding a new pet to the family this holiday season or presenting someone else with a dog as a gift, I would like to share with you my perspective on pets as gifts. It’s a romantic idea, and it does seem magical with the vision of the children waking up to discover a bundle of furry joy under the tree. Unfortunately, the reality most often does not live up to the fantasy. Having spent many years as a volunteer in the rescue world, I have seen firsthand the fallout from pets as gifts. Adding a pet to your family is roughly a 10- to 20- year commitment, and it doesn’t come with a gift receipt.
Here are some of the realities to consider before to gifting a pet at holiday time:
Family and Travel
Do you have family or friends coming to visit from out of town? Bringing a new dog or puppy home requires patience, time and training. With visitors in the house, you most likely will not have the time to work on housebreaking and indoor manners. Who needs the stress and tension of the newest family member chewing up Aunt Judy’s dentures?
If you are the one traveling, you need to consider who will take care of your new pet while you are away. Remember, if your host does not extend an unsolicited invitation, it is not proper etiquette to bring your new pal along. Additionally, your pet will not be accustomed to its new home and most likely will be scared and anxious when left alone so soon after being brought into a new environment.
The Holiday Party Circuit
Are you hosting a holiday party or do you have a line-up of parties to attend? If your family is constantly on the go, you may very well end up with a pet that has a bad case of separation anxiety, and the ramifications that come with it. It is not uncommon for dogs and puppies suffering separation anxiety to attempt to resolve their tension by becoming destructive or at the very least, and, much to your neighbors’ horror, developing a case of non-stop barking.
Holiday Décor
Do you plan to have holiday decorations or a Christmas tree in your home? With all of the excitement and bright colors, dogs and puppies may mistake the decorations for chew toys, or worse yet, see that fresh-smelling tree as a new spot to relieve themselves. Several years ago, my good friend, Jami, brought a new kitten home during the holidays only to find that the cat loved to perch midway in the tree. You can guess what happened. The tree went crashing down in the living room sending ornaments, tinsel . . . and the cat flying.
Surrenders Increase Around the Holidays
Animal shelters see a notable increase in what is known as “owner surrenders” when people find they have an animal they cannot keep. This always happens around and following the holidays. It is a very sad and unfair fate for these animals that were so adored just days or weeks earlier.
According to Jane Albert, Executive Director at Napa Humane, professionals in the animal care world are in agreement that a pet as a gift is a difficult situation unless planned for carefully. “Many shelters and rescue groups, thankfully, will not allow adoption of animals as gifts at any time of the year because the rate of return of such adoptions is significantly high,” says Albert. “It is both unfair to the innocent animal and to the individual for whom the gift is intended.”
If you have considered the pros and cons and your family is in agreement to add or give a pet this holiday season, here are some suggested approaches:
• The Sacramento SPCA has gift certificates available and suggests putting together a gift basket with all of the necessary pet supplies, as well as a gift certificate. This allows the recipient to visit the shelter after the holidays and select a best friend of his or her choice.
• Local rescue groups can help you select the best pet for your family and assist with the logistics of bringing the pet home at the “right” time to ensure the greatest success with your new animal.
• If purchasing from a breeder, work only with those who have the best interest of the animal first, who will work with you to select the right fit and who will be flexible on the timing of bringing your puppy home?
• If considering a full breed, be sure to research the breed you are selecting. You want a pet with a temperament and energy level that will match your lifestyle and physical abilities. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals gives a great overview on most breeds in the ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs (another great gift idea).
"A dog is a family member for life,” says Lesley Kirrene, Director of Public Relations with the Sacramento SPCA. “Factors from typical-breed characteristics to living situations and time commitments need to be a part of that careful thought process."
Regardless of when you decide to add a new pet, the decision should always be well thought out.
THE SACRAMENTO SPCA PROVIDES SEVEN CONSIDERATIONS
TO DETERMINE WHEN IT’S A GOOD TIME TO BRING A PET INTO YOUR LIFE:
It’s important to take a good look at your life and remember that having a pet is a lifetime commitment.
Careful personal family analysis:
1. Is now the right time?
• A pet brings with it many changes, and many new adventures. It’s important to be sure you and your family are prepared to live with these changes and the time necessary to properly feed, exercise, train and generally care for a pet.
2. Why do you want a pet? Take a careful look at your lifestyle.
• How do you spend your time?
• Is your living situation suited to owning a pet (“Landlord won’t allow” is #1 reason people surrender pets to shelters, followed by "large breeds require more space," "barking" and "neighbors").
• Who will care for your pet when you are away or unable to do so?
• Do you have time for a pet?
• Can you afford a pet; veterinary bills and training?
• Are you prepared and willing to amount with some of the things that often go hand in hand with pets: fleas, chewing, digging, messes, medical emergencies?
• Are you away from home a good deal of the time? Will a pet be able to accompany you in your activities, or would your new pet be frequently left at home?
• Are you prepared to put in the time necessary to train a younger, active animal?
• Will your pet really be a member of your family?
3. What is your activity level?
• Are you active or more sedentary? What type of pet would be right for your family’s lifestyle? Based on activity level, would an active pet be appropriate or would a quieter lap pet fit in better?
4. Do you have children?
• Children and pets require constant supervision.
• It is important to put a great deal of careful thought into selecting the right pet if your home includes children. Young animals and children may not be a good combination.
5. A pet is a lifetime commitment.
• Are you prepared to properly care for a pet for its entire lifetime – for better or for worse?
6. Will you be a responsible pet owner?
• The responsibilities of pet ownership are many, including: spaying and neutering (to help prevent the tragic issue of pet overpopulation), ongoing veterinary care, training, and a commitment of time to properly exercise and socialize your pet.
7. It’s important to have realistic expectations.
• What breed characteristics are right for you, your family, and your lifestyle?
• Puppies and certain breeds inherently bring with them certain behavior traits. Have you done your research, and are you prepared to take the good with the not so good?
• None of us is perfect, but the rewards of canine companionship are many if you’re willing to commit to the development of a long-term relationship with your new dog.
