It’s the season of giving, and this time of the year is usually when shelters are their busiest. Many people choose the Christmas season to adopt a new pet into the home, or give to someone they feel is in need. But, for either reason, adopting a pet for you, your kids, or someone else, should not be a surprise to anyone. It should be pre-planned and discussed with all parties involved.
Gifting a pet to someone outside your family shouldn’t be done without their pre-approval. Pets take time, energy and money. While you may have a friend who could use a little companionship, never assume. Even the best of friends may not know the time constraints or financial situations involved. It’s fun to surprise someone, but it can come at the cost of a pet, who could be returned to a shelter. Instead, suggest what you’re planning on doing and involve the person in your search. It could be a fun outing to visit area shelters to find the perfect pet for someone!
If you’re thinking of getting your kids a pet for Christmas, make sure the kids are involved in the process as well. You want kids to meet the pet beforehand to make sure that the pet is the right fit for your family. Some pets are great with kids, some pets are terrified of kids. Don’t assume. Again, that surprise factor on Christmas morning that you see in the movies and television is not realistic. And it could come with consequences, like a pet biting your child, or the pet getting sent back to the shelter. If you involve the whole family, the shelter will give you all time to get acquainted, and you’ll be able to gunge how the pet interacts with your kids.
The same is true even if you don’t have kids. If you have a significant other, adding a furry friend can be the first part of your family. It should be something that you plan to do together. I, for example, love cats and dogs. But I have allergies, so I need to make sure that I find the right kind of pet. A longhair cat, for example, would be a disaster for me to have in the home, while short-hair cats are great. A significant other may or may not know that, but you can’t risk the chance of the pet thinking it has a home, only to have to go back to the shelter.
My parents adopted their dog, Scooter, shortly after I left for college. Scooter was technically a birthday gift for my mom, and was picked out by me and my dad. Scooter turned into one of the best additions that our family made. She was a best friend for me, and my replacement to my parents. But we only made the adoption after we got mom’s blessing. While you might mean well, if you’re planning on adopting this season, talk to the entire family and make the final decision together.
