Christmas is just around the corner. We’re just as excited as you are, but we wanted to take a minute and have a frank discussion about a very serious topic: gifting pets. Every year, thousands of Americans give animals as gifts to loved ones, sweethearts, and family members.
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with giving a pet as a gift if both parties are prepared, far too many people give the gift of a life without realizing what they’re getting into. This is also why, every year right after the holidays, unwanted pets find their way back into shelters and foster care systems all across the country.
We don’t mean this to sound doom and gloom; a little preparation and honesty goes a long way to making this situation joyful rather than tragic. If you’re considering gifting (or getting) a pet this year for the holidays, we hope you’ll take the time to learn how to engage in the process responsibly with these six tips.
Surprise Gifting a Puppy Is Not Always the Best Idea
The temptation to surprise someone with a puppy can be strong. We totally understand! Even we can’t resist those adorable videos on YouTube showing grandmas and kids fawning over cute little bundles of furry joy on Christmas morning.
Unfortunately, we can’t endorse complete surprises. The decision to adopt a pet is very serious; the new owner is potentially looking at up to 18 years or more of vet bills, care, daily walks, food, and attention. Not everyone is equipped to handle the huge commitment of being a responsible dog owner, and your “surprise” may make them feel as if they have to accept even though they’re not ready.
This issue is somewhat eliminated in situations where parents or a spouse is fully willing to take on all responsibility for the dog no matter what happens. In all other situations, we recommend gifting a certificate to pick out a puppy on Christmas morning instead. It’s still a wonderful surprise, and the giftee always has the option to say no if they aren’t equipped.
Be Honest With the Dog Breeder
No matter what the situation, be honest with the breeder about your intentions. If you’re planning to gift the puppy, tell them – they won’t necessarily say no just because it’s a gift. Instead, most breeders will walk you through a series of questions to help you analyze the situation and determine if it’s right for your giftee.
If you and the breeder do decide that you prepared well and gifting is the right way to move forward, he or she can help you arrange the surprise in a way that works for everyone. This may mean the giftee is able to pick out their puppy in advance, perhaps even visiting and getting to know the little one a bit before adoption.
As breeders, we prefer to have a working relationship with both the gifter and the giftee; if something ever happens in the future, we want to be there to try and provide advice. Getting to know the giftee also makes us feel more confident about where we place our beloved dogs.
What Dog Breed Best Fits Your Lifestyle?
If you do decide to move forward with gifting a puppy, sit down and think honestly about your giftee and their needs. How they live their lifestyle can significantly impact the breed, size, or activity level of their best-suited breed.
Here’s a few examples. A grandma with arthritis may benefit more from a small, quiet breed than a high-activity working dog breed she struggles to control. Likewise, parents gifting puppies to children should consider how small the child is and whether a large dog may knock them over or accidentally hurt them in their joy de vivre. If you’re an outdoor junky who hikes thousands of miles a year, you’re better off adopting a high-energy dog breed to match your active lifestyle. Good all-around breeds include Labradors, Irish Setters, Griffons, and even Great Danes – if the giftee has the space.
What Dog Breed Best Suites to Your Living Space?
Where your giftee lives will also impact your decision. Apartment-dwellers benefit most from well-known breeds that adapt easily to apartment life with only frequent walks. Conversely, gifting someone in an apartment a Beagle (a breed known for their vocality) could create an uncomfortable situation for other tenants with the dog barks. A barking Beagle is much less of an issue for someone who lives on a farm or who hunts with dogs regularly.
No matter where your giftee lives, you must factor in inherent elements like other pets, roommates, landlords, parents, and building owners. The giftee may want a dog, but if no one else at the property wants a dog, gifting a puppy could result in eviction or bad feelings. That’s certainly not a fun Christmas gift!
Include Puppy Supplies, Too
Moving forward with gifting a puppy? You made a list, and checked it twice: gifting is the right decision. Make it easier for your giftee to acclimatize to their new pet by providing them with a Christmas morning basket full of supplies. Include leashes, certificates for the vet (e.g., neutering, spay, exam, or needles), toys, food, treats, beds, water dishes – anything you think they can use.
This is also a great way to ensure you give a tangible object if you’re gifting a certificate for a puppy instead of the real deal!
Can’t decide what to include? Follow this puppy preparation list!
Be Mindful of Puppy’s Sensitivity to Sound & Chaos
It’s Christmas morning. The kids are hastily tearing at packages, joyfully screaming and tossing wrapping paper. The family dog is running around with antlers on, joyfully barking and playing with a cardboard tube. You’re in the kitchen making breakfast, cookies, Christmas dinner, and juggling hosting all at the same time. There’s Christmas music playing in the living room, cartoons in the basement, and a television blaring in the den with the kids’ favorite movie.
This joyful scene plays out every year in homes all across the country. It’s wonderful for us humans to experience, but for a young puppy, it can be absolutely terrifying. Puppies, like babies, are very sensitive to chaos and noise. If revealed among this chaos, they may exhibit bad behaviors, urinate inappropriately, whine, hide, or even develop anxiety. Getting bitten out of fear is no one’s idea of a fun Christmas morning – not you, not your dog, not your children, and certainly not us.
Instead, set up a quiet room to reveal your furry new bundle of joy. Keep other pets out and away, and encourage everyone to keep their voices low and soothing. Teach kids to be patient and gentle and provide guidance every step of the way. Watch for signs of stress; if they become apparent, scale back the situation and let him relax. You can try another meet and greet later. This process should be continued in the giftee’s home for several weeks.