Just because animals look cute under the Christmas tree doesn’t mean they make good holiday gifts. Caring for animals is an enormous responsibility, and they should never be carelessly given as gifts to anyone. Many people who receive animals as gifts find that they’re unable to make the lifelong commitment to caring for their new animal companion, no matter how much they’d like to make it work. Animals deserve the best lives possible, but being given as a gift will make that outcome less likely.
1. A CHILD’S ATTENTION SPAN MAY BE BETTER SUITED TO A STUFFED ANIMAL.
Animal shelters are filled beyond capacity with homeless animals, many of whom were former “pets”—all because a child lost interest and no one else stepped in and took the time to provide training and care. Children are not mature enough to handle this responsibility.
2. MANY PEOPLE DON’T WANT AN ANIMAL FOR CHRISTMAS.
Has the person expressed an interest in adopting an animal? What type and species of animal would be a good fit? If a family decides to adopt an animal, every member of the family should go to the local animal shelter together to choose the animal after having discussed the obligations and long-term commitments involved.
3. YOU MAY ALSO BE GIVING THE “GIFT” OF DEBT.
Does the person have the space, time, and money to care for an animal? (Caring for an animal companion requires a lifelong commitment, which could go on for over 20 years.) Costs can add up quickly, not only for food but also for vet visits and emergency care when the dog swallows a sock or the cat takes a few bites from a toxic houseplant. Is the recipient a busy person? If so, a regular pet sitter and/or dog-walker may be needed.
4. WHAT TO GIFT SOMEONE WHO IS TRULY READY TO CARE FOR AN ANIMAL COMPANION.
If you know someone who really wants an animal companion and is ready for the responsibility, how about giving a gift certificate for the adoption fee at the local animal shelter?
What You Can Do
Please adopt only from animal shelters and never buy an animal from a pet store or breeder. And don’t forget to have all your animal companions spayed or neutered.
model : Dulce 13 years old