We all know owning a pet brings its fair share of responsibilities, and caring for a pet is a huge commitment.
While a pet can certainly be a wonderful addition to any home, it is never OK to gift that responsibility to someone without their consent.
If you’re considering giving a pet as a gift this holiday season — even something small, like a goldfish — there are a few questions you need to ask yourself. This will ensure the pet is properly received, and every party is happy with the decision.
Has the potential pet receiver expressed interest in owning a pet?
If you answered no, move on from the idea. The gift of a living, breathing being should never be a total surprise to someone. If the friend or family member has expressed interest in owning a pet, keep reading.
Why hasn’t the person already bought a pet?
It’s important to consider this question. It’s possible the person is not in a solid financial situation, or they don’t have enough time to commit to raising a pet. Maybe they don’t have time to research a suitable pet for themselves. There could be something going on in their lives that you don’t know about. Either way, it’s important to find out why.
If you’re a parent considering buying a pet for your children, you must be ready to shoulder a majority of the responsibility that pet will bring. Unfortunately, children lose interest in gifts very quickly, and those promises they made to walk and feed a puppy everyday may quickly be forgotten.
Also, do your research. Not every animal or breed is appropriate for every family. Some animals are more prone to health issues, which can bring about hefty, unexpected vet bills. Or if the family leads a more sedentary lifestyle, purchasing a high-energy pup is probably not the best idea.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends at Premier Pet Supply for all your pet-related questions!