Table of Contents
As the holiday season draws near, heartwarming videos featuring adorable puppies as gifts are gaining popularity on social media. While these videos evoke warm feelings, they often depict only a fraction of the overall picture. Before presenting a puppy as a gift, it’s crucial to weigh the responsibilities and hurdles associated with pet ownership. From the financial commitments to the time and effort invested in training, being a pet owner demands a significant commitment. In this article, we delve into the proper approach to giving a puppy as a gift and offer alternative ideas that can bring joy and excitement to your loved ones’ lives. Presented in collaboration with Beaconpet.
The Right Way to Give a Puppy as a Gift
What happens to Christmas puppies after Christmas?
After the holiday season, many people are left wondering what happens to the puppies that were given as Christmas gifts. While the idea of surprising a loved one with a cute and cuddly puppy may seem like a great idea, the reality is that many of these puppies end up being relinquished to animal shelters. It’s important to consider the long-term commitment and responsibility of owning a dog before giving one as a gift.
What to consider before giving a puppy as a gift
Before giving a puppy as a gift, there are several important factors to consider. First and foremost, you must ensure that the recipient is committed to providing long-term care for the dog. Dogs can live for 10-15 years or more, and it’s important that the recipient is willing and able to provide for the dog’s needs throughout its entire life.
Additionally, you should consider whether the recipient has any allergies to pet dander. Allergies can make it difficult to live with a dog, and it’s important to ensure that the recipient is not allergic before bringing a puppy into their home.
Another important consideration is the financial resources needed to properly care for a dog. Dogs require food, veterinary care, toys, bedding, and other supplies, all of which can add up over time. It’s crucial that the recipient has the financial means to provide for the dog’s needs.
Finally, if the recipient lives in a rental property, it’s important to check the rental policies on pets. Not all landlords allow pets, and it’s essential to ensure that the recipient is allowed to have a dog in their home before giving one as a gift.
Alternatives to Christmas puppies
If you’re unsure about giving a puppy as a gift, there are alternative ways to bring puppy cheer into your loved ones’ lives. Consider putting together a puppy starter kit as a surprise promise of a future furry friend. This can include a children’s book about responsible pet parenthood, an assortment of toys and treats, food and water bowls, a pet first aid kit, a stuffed dog to act as a stand-in for now, and a puppy chew toy for later. Additionally, you could include a gift certificate to a local animal rescue agency, allowing your loved ones to choose the pet they want and plan for its arrival.
Another alternative to giving a Christmas puppy is to have a family discussion about bringing a dog home. This allows everyone to have a say in the decision and ensures that everyone is prepared for the responsibilities that come with owning a dog. It’s important to lay down some ground rules before bringing a dog home, such as not overwhelming the dog on the first day and not creating mob scenes around the new arrival.
Christmas puppies should be planned gifts
The ASPCA recommends that pets should be given as gifts only to people who have expressed a sustained interest in owning one and have the ability to care for it responsibly. This means that pets should be planned gifts to those who are ready and willing to take on the responsibility of pet ownership. If your family has been discussing getting a dog for a long time and the adults are prepared to provide proper care, then bringing a new dog home for the holidays can be a great choice. Just make sure that all supplies and resources are in place in advance to ensure a smooth transition for both the dog and the family.
In conclusion, giving a puppy as a gift can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to consider the long-term commitment and responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Before giving a puppy as a gift, ensure that the recipient is committed to providing long-term care, does not have allergies, has the financial resources for proper care, and is allowed to have pets in their home. If you’re uncertain about giving a puppy, consider alternative options such as a puppy starter kit or involving the recipient in the decision-making process. Remember, Christmas puppies should be planned gifts to ensure a happy and successful future for both the dog and its new family.
