You might be contemplating giving a pet as a gift. It’s very tempting to present someone with a cute, cuddly animal as a present for a birthday, the holidays, or even graduation. However, along with the precious purring or the friendly wagging tail, there is also a commitment to a living creature for a number of years. Depending on the type of pet, the new owner may need a sense of responsibility for as long as ten to twenty years.
Pets are not inanimate objects and should not be thought of as toys. Living beings think, feel, and experience emotions and pain. This means that a pet shouldn’t be treated as a gift like a scooter or a video game. You don’t want to give a gift that’s not appreciated, especially if it’s a vulnerable creature that’s alive and breathing. So, if you’re contemplating giving a pet as a gift, here are some tips to help you ensure this is actually a good idea.
Resist the Temptation of Giving a Pet as a Surprise
Having a pet can be a wonderful addition to someone’s life. However, not everyone has the energy, time, money, or interest to take care of an animal. So, always talk to the potential receiver and find out if they truly want a pet. A surprise pet with a ribbon around the neck may generate a more festive feeling, but over the long term, everyone — whether they have two legs or four — will be better off if you ask upfront.
Be Especially Careful if the Intended Recipient Is a Child
A pet can provide a child with important life lessons. However, his or her parents should be ready, eager, and capable of being the ultimate caregivers for the pet. However insistent the child may be that they will take care of the animal, it’s up to the parents to step in and make sure the dog gets walked, the cat’s litter box gets cleaned out, the rabbit’s or guinea pig’s enclosure is kept clean, etc.
How to Include a Surprise When the Pet Isn’t One
Once you’ve determined that your recipient would really like a pet, search for the right one together. This will make sure that the pet completely appeals to the recipient.
This approach doesn’t mean you can’t give the new pet owner a gift to unwrap. For instance, gift wrap a pet care package filled with supplies your recipient will need. Another idea is to give a gift certificate to cover the adoption fee from a rescue or shelter organization. This way, your recipient will have a full say regarding which pet they adopt.
Giving a Pet as a Gift: Final Thoughts
The unconditional love someone can get from a pet is truly unique and amazing, but work and expense are involved. Pets come with such things as walks, messy litter boxes, occasional throw-ups, flea medication, vet bills, and more. So be sure that your intended recipient understands what they will be getting into.
When gifting a pet, your primary concern should be the animal’s welfare.
Did you receive your wonderful pet as a gift many years ago? However your pet came into your life, unfortunately the time will arrive when they will leave it. If you live in our area (Lexington, SC), Midlands Pet Care, a family-owned and operated company, will give your pet the compassionate burial and cremation they deserve. Get in touch with us for more information.