4 Things To Consider Before Giving A Pet As A Christmas Gift

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The holiday season is here once again and often, people like to give puppies as Christmas gifts. The media, television shows and ads has given us the idea that puppies make heartwarming holiday gifts for children, spouses, and significant others, but experts agree, when people give pets as holiday gifts, the pet can pay an awful price. Everyone loves a new pet, but not everyone has the temperament or the responsible habits required to be a good pet owner. Too many pets given with good intentions get returned or worse, are neglected. For people who are thinking about giving pets this holiday season-DON'T DO IT! Here are some things to consider first.

1. The decision to bring a pet into the family should be a family decision, not a surprise gift. Without the family making this decision together, the pet won't likely be welcomed as part of the family.

2. Matching a pet with a family takes the family's commitment to learning, not only about different breeds, but also the different characteristics of an individual animal. If you think that a friend or family member wants a pet, give them a book about pet care and training, or how to select the right pet, then they get to choose their new best friend.

3. Are they allergic? Household pets are the most common source of allergic reactions. Many people think that pet allergy is provoked by the fur of cats and dogs. Instead, it's the small, invisible flakes of animal skin dander that trigger the itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and stuffy nose in people with pet allergy. For those with asthma, symptoms will be more severe. The only effective way to alleviate the signs and symptoms of a pet allergy is to find a new home for the pet. Many of these will be taken to animal shelters where they will face an uncertain future.

4. If you are thinking of giving a pet as a gift, consider visiting your local animal shelter. Dogs and cats available for adoption are listed in an online database that includes photos and descriptions of each available animal. In an effort to match pets with people they provide as much information about the responsibilities of pet ownership, including the long-term emotional and financial commitment required for owning a pet.

So before you choose a puppy, kitten, bird, or any other animal to give as a gift, remember: Giving a new pet takes serious commitment for the recipient, and should be done for the right reasons and with plenty of forethought. From pure breeds to mutts, from large to small, there is sure to be the perfect match, this way the pet will receive all the attention it needs and can bond much easier with its new family!



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Categories: allergies