If you are planning to buy someone a pet for a birthday, anniversary or other holiday, I hope you will reconsider.

Choice is Personal
Choosing the right animal to become a life-long companion is a very personal thing. There must be some kind of emotional bond or attraction for the relationship to work.

The purchase or adoption of an animal should be undertaken with the seriousness and consideration it deserves.

Pets Are Not Toys
Giving a pet to a child as a gift sends the wrong message.

While other gifts under the tree may be returned or exchanged if they are not right, a pet is not a toy, not an article of clothing or decorative object. Toys are often forgotten in the weeks after the holiday, things are misplaced.


Is Recipient Ready for a Pet
The person has to be ready to make a commitment to the care of the animal. The potential new owner should be able to choose the animal that they are going to commit themselves to.

A pet needs care and attention, and cannot simply be tossed aside when the newness wears off. All too often the attraction fades as the adorable puppy or kitten grows into an adult animal.

Other Ways to Give a Pet
Many animal shelters will not adopt out an animal without all the family members (and pets) first meeting the animal.

Rather than purchase the animal outright, why not come up with a creative way to help the person with the choice and/or purchase of his new pet?

For example, you can give any of the necessary and useful accessories and gear that the new pet owner will need.

Create or purchase a gift certificate to an animal shelter, rescue group or breeder. Be sure the person truly wants an animal before giving a gift certificate, as they may not be refundable.

Offer to take your friend to one of these places if transportation is an issue.

Other ideas could include gift certificates to training classes, groomers or veterinarians. Give gifts of books or videos. If the pet is to be for the family, wrap up a stuffed version, with a card that promises an outing to your local shelter on a date after the holidays.

Holidays Not New Pet Friendly
Unless you are planning a very quiet holiday, this is not the best time to bring a new pet into the home.

Household members are busy, stress levels are high. It is difficult to give the pet the attention it needs. There may be more noise and people in the house than usual, which can be stressful and confusing for the animal.

Doors may be opening often, and a frightened animal could easily escape.

There also may be additional hazards in the house, such as Christmas trees and decorations, ribbon bedecked packages, lit candles and an abundance of food on counters and tables.

Plan Time for New Pet
After the holidays, when there are two to three quiet days with at least one person home all day is the best time to get your new pet.

Housetraining will be much simpler and proceed more quickly if you can give a puppy plenty of attention from the beginning. You also have a better chance of bonding with your new friend if there aren't a lot of other distractions for both of you.

Some Gifts Just Happen
Of course sometimes pets just come our way, unchosen. I always say that our cat Popcorn found us, rather than the other way around. And it worked out happily for all concerned.

Occasionally a dog may show up at your doorstep, or you may be asked to take in an animal when the owner can no longer care for it.

Usually, however, one has a choice whether to take the animal in question. Receiving an animal as a gift makes turning it down rather difficult.

Getting a pet is an exciting event, but since anticipation can be just as sweet, the promise of the gift to come will be just as welcome.