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Can
a pet make a good gift?
It's
your child's birthday and they have seen a "101 Dalmatians" a hundred
and one times, and now they want their own cuddly furry pet. Maybe you have a
friend that lives alone and you think a pet might bring them some company. There
are many more reasons to give a person a pet; however there are just as many things
to consider before buying that pet.
Often
times, cost is the number one reason an animal is taken to a shelter. The average
fifteen pound dog can cost anywhere from $400-$500 per year, and that's not including
boarding fees, grooming fees, or training. The average lifespan of a small to
medium dog is 10 years, so that's easily $4,000 or more over your dog's lifespan.
Our feline friends can live longer than that, some more than twenty years. Also,
keep in mind that most all pet owners will face additional veterinary fees outside
of yearly vaccinations and routine checkups due to injury or even just old age.
You need to ensure that the intended recipient has the means to provide for the
animal throughout its lifespan.
Another
important factor to consider is whether the person's lifestyle and the pet's personality
are going to coincide. If you get an English Bulldog thinking it will want to
jog with its new owner in the mornings, you're in for quite a surprise. You need
to take the time to research the behavioral traits of the animal you're considering
and match it to the personality of the person receiving the gift. Also, you need
to make sure than an animal will fit into the person's lifestyle. A person who
works long hour's everyday may not be the best choice since a large percentage
of animals do not like to be separated from their owners for extended periods
of time, and will act out by chewing, biting, and other disruptive behavior.
When
considering giving a pet as a gift, think of how you would deal with receiving
a pet as a gift. Are you ready to potty train your pet? Do you even know where
to begin training an animal? These are things your gift receiver is going to have
to think of. Would you like to receive that "gift"?
So,
you've completed your research, and you're pretty sure this person will just love
having a new pet, so now what? There are several ways to go about giving a pet
as a gift.
For
starters, you do not necessarily have to get the pet yourself. There are now many
shelters that offer adoption certificates to give as gifts. They work just like
a department store gift certificate, except in this case you're paying for the
adoption fees. This way, the person can go pick out the pet they want when they
want. This also gives them time to prepare for the pet such as buying a crate
and books on house training. If you do want to buy a certificate but still want
the person to be able to pick out their own pet, you can always schedule a time
to go together and pick out the pet. This method works especially well for children
since they love to be able to pick their new best friend on their own.
If
you are going to purchase the pet on your own, there are a few helpful things
you can do to make the gift giving easier on your recipient. Start off by putting
together a gift basket for the pet. For example, if your purchasing a dog, you
may want to get a small bag of food, food & water bowls, a couple of sturdy
toys, and a box of treats. This way, the recipient can enjoy having their new
dog without worrying about immediately going to the store to purchase supplies.
You can put together a small gift for just about any pet you purchase, just keep
in mind the basic items any pet owner will need. This will allow the new owner
to become acquainted with the pet without the worry of trying to get supplies
immediately. Also, you can make giving the pet a gradual process. Start off by
giving the new owner some books and helpful hints on pet care, training, etc.
before giving them the pet. After they feel more comfortable with the idea of
having the pet, then introduce them to the pet. This way, the owner will feel
less apprehensive and unsure of how to care for their new pet, and a happier owner
makes a happy pet.
Pets
can make a good gift and bring years of enjoyment as long as you do your research
and give the right pet to the right person.
