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Giving Pets as Gifts: 5 Things to Consider

February 22, 2012 by 68 Comments
Jane Warren

Jane Warren

Jane is an avid watersports fan, who enjoys boating, scuba diving, swimming, and water skiing. She loves to travel, especially to locations where she can participate in water sport activities. Jane also loves animals, and writes articles educating consumers on pet care, and the joys of owning a pet. Now that the kids are grown, she has time for doing the things she enjoys!
Jane Warren

@PamperThePets

Jane has always loved animals. She doesn't go looking for them; they seem to find her!
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Giving Pets as Gifts – Is it a Good Idea?

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” -George Eliot
At the Pet StoreAdorable puppies and cuddly kittens are frequent gifts in movies. These pets are always met with squeals of delight and the gift plan never backfires. In real life, however, giving pets as gifts is a risky venture. Unlike most other gifts, pets require substantial upkeep and, if the gift receiver doesn’t want a pet, your gift could end in needless suffering for an innocent animal. This doesn’t mean that pets are never appropriate as gifts, though. Here are 5 things to consider before giving a pet as a gift:

Does the Recipient Want a Pet?

Before giving a pet, you must be absolutely certain the gift recipient wants a pet. This automatically precludes giving pets–even fish– to people you don’t know well. But if your husband has been talking about getting a dog, your mother wants to replace her dearly departed cat or your best friend is obsessed with birds, a pet might be an appropriate gift. Make sure that you’re giving your loved one the pet they would choose for themselves and not the pet you want!

Can the Person Afford a Pet?

Pets cost much more than the price you pay for the animal itself. Animals require veterinary care, food, toys, cages, training and pet-sitters. Avoid giving a pet to someone who might not be able to afford it. You might think you’re purchasing a dog for someone who would love to have a puppy if money permits. But in reality, you might be sentencing your friend to financial hardship and the dog to inadequate veterinary care.

Are You Giving Pet Supplies?

Regardless of which pet you plan to give, you’ll need to provide the recipient with the supplies she needs to care for the pet for at least a few days. This is especially true if you’re giving a pet around the holiday season, when stores are likely to be closed. If you give a dog, ensure you provide a leash, puppy pads, food and other necessary supplies. Rodents and reptiles require a cage and adequate lighting and food. Cats need, at minimum, a litter box, kitty litter and food. Giving preliminary supplies along with an animal ensures that the animal doesn’t turn into an immediate source of stress as the gift recipient rushes off to the nearest pet store to buy urgently needed supplies.

Is the Person/Family Responsible?

Pets are unique gifts, because not only do you have to consider whether the recipient will like the gift, but also the effect the recipient will have on the gift itself! You should only give pets to people who have a verifiable history of responsible behavior, particularly responsibility toward animals. Proper pet care requires the gift recipient to budget for unexpected items such as vet bills, dog teeth cleaning products, and pet-sitters. It also requires that the recipient won’t start neglecting the animal when the novelty wears off. For this reason, pets are never appropriate gifts for children unless their parents agree to care for the pet.

Does the Recipient Want You to Choose the Pet?

Many people give pets as gifts to loved ones who were planning on getting a pet anyway. If this is your reason for giving a pet, consider whether the person might want to pick out their own pet. Rather than putting a bow around a puppy for the holidays, try wrapping up pet supplies and then offering to take them pet shopping.

Although pets can make great gifts, it’s important to think of a pet as a long-term companion, rather than a short term thrilling present.

About the Author

Jane Warren is an animal lover who has rescued a variety of critters. Her valuable insights into pets, family and lifestyle topics have provided guidance and assistance to numerous people. Her husband, meanwhile, is convinced that local animals know where they live, as several abandoned animals have shown up at their door! One friend even drove her cat, Nermal, from Texas to give to Jane!  Learn more at www.pamperthepets.com. 

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Comments

  1. Jeff says:
    February 22, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Good points. While the initial thrill of both giving and receiving a pet may be great, the subsequent upkeep and affordability factor should always be considered.

    Reply
  2. LouisC says:
    February 22, 2012 at 7:28 pm


    Twitter:
    One thing I would add. In the UK at least, more and more dogs and cats are abandoned and left in rescue homes without owners.

    I’m not saying it’s irresponsible but every time a newborn dog/cat is purchased by someone then that’s 1 less chance that a dog/cat in a rescue home can find a new owner and we all know what potentially happens to them if a new home isn’t found for them.

    Something to think about…

    Reply
  3. Sara says:
    February 22, 2012 at 7:36 pm


    Twitter:
    Very practrical article Jane! All five advices were great. With your advices both recipients and pets will be very happy!
    Thank you for sharing.
    Sara recently posted..Experience Tuscan Style Garden at its BestMy Profile

    Reply
  4. elena_anne says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:33 pm


    Twitter:
    Jane very interesting article.
    Especially when we want to give a puppy for gift, we must have in mind that there are many differences between dog breeds. Other breeds need more space, other are kind of noisy, other don’t like little ones companion. Still others resemble tiny, fluffy toys.
    So we don’t know exactly the conditions of a family. It’s a little bit risky I think!
    elena_anne recently posted..Workout With Your Newborn to Get Your Physical Condition BackMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jane Warren says:
      March 2, 2012 at 4:11 am


      Twitter:
      Your points are well-taken. We actually were given a “small” dog when I was a little girl, only to realize it had very big feet, and ultimately grew into a very big dog. My parents had to give it away because it was too big for our house/yard. I still remember how said it was to let that dog go.

      Reply
  5. Bellaisa says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:44 pm

    Great points.

    I personally don’t think animals should ever be given as a gift. Never. Not even for your spouse who has been talking about getting a pet. One of these 5 things will almost always be relevant.

    They may be able to afford the pet, but don’t give it the love that it requires…or vice-versa.

    When you pick an animal to bring into your home it’s essential to meet them and get to know them first.

    We have always had dogs in our house. We currently have 3, and our youngest one was not the first dog we picked for ourselves out of his litter! But he continuously made his presence known to us at the breeders house on our ‘get to know you’ visits and we quickly realized he was a better fit for our house than then puppy we had just ‘chosen’ before we knew their personality. And he is a great fit.
    Bellaisa recently posted..4 Date Ideas to Keep You WarmMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jane Warren says:
      March 2, 2012 at 4:14 am


      Twitter:
      That is a very popular opinion – and has worthwhile merit. We know how we would care for a pet, but we can never really judge how others will care for an animal. And if we are unsure, it is best to be cautious and not give anyone a pet, rather than place the animal in bad circumstances.
      Thanks for your comment.

      Reply
  6. Usman says:
    February 23, 2012 at 9:44 am

    I gave a cat to my friend he was happy too :)
    Usman recently posted..Malcolm X (1992) 720p BRRip 750MBMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Jim Jenks says:
    February 23, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    Great article. I like the fact that it can teach responsibility to a young one…but that could also come around and bite us parents if we’re not careful. We’ll be taking care of that puppy or kitten 6 months down the road.

    Reply
  8. Charles Daniels says:
    February 24, 2012 at 2:55 am


    Twitter:
    Yeesh, this is a slippery slope. Animals have their own personalities. Could give a perfectly cute little puppy to someone and then find out that anytime the door bell rings it goes potty all over their carpet.

    I’d be terrified to give a pet as a gift. Give a gift certificate to the spa instead. Everyone loves the spa.
    Charles Daniels recently posted..Our first Business 2 Business mixerMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Ben Thomas says:
    February 24, 2012 at 11:24 am

    I love to keep dogs as pets. But I’ve never thought of gifting any. Thanks for these tips. I’ll think of giving a pet as a gift to my friend soon and I’ll definitely consider these tips….
    Ben Thomas recently posted..Review of the Aakash Tablet. The worlds cheapest tablet priced…My Profile

    Reply
  10. james says:
    February 24, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    small ones are the best,easyer to look after
    eg less food,smaller cage/roaming area

    making it better on the person receiving the gift
    (especially if they secretly don’t want it)
    great comments too…interesting topic to be quite honest

    thanks heaps :)
    james

    Reply
  11. Glen says:
    February 24, 2012 at 11:39 pm

    I live in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Over the last couple of years folks have been losing their houses hand over fist. When a lot of these people lose their house to foreclosure they are forced to move. Most of them will rent another house or an apartment.

    Problem is that most time when renting an apartment, either the apartment complex wants a couple hundred dollars for a pet deposit (unsupervised or untrained animals can do a lot of damage). One scenerio is that the folks can’t afford the deposit, another is they feel that it is unfair to charge a deposit(they should go somewhere else).

    This situation contributes to the abandoment of so many animals that it is growing into an epidemic. There are dog packs roaming the neighboring deserts.

    In the past whenever we had a dog that we could not care for, we were very caring for the animal, in as much as we were very diligent about finding a new home for this ex family member. Problem is when there are children involved, we felt they (the children) came first.

    But was our responsibility to provide a new home for the pet. This is the way others should treat their ex-family members.
    Glen recently posted..The Right Way To Lose WeightMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jane Warren says:
      March 2, 2012 at 4:24 am


      Twitter:
      Glen, you are right. And I have noticed that shelters and humane societies are overflowing with abandoned pets, many because the family just cannot afford to keep them or move with them. I always encourage adoption through those agencies that take in abandoned animals. We can make a difference one animal at a time.
      Thanks again for sharing what is happening in your area.

      Reply
  12. Saket Jajodia says:
    February 25, 2012 at 3:00 pm


    Twitter:
    Once I wanted a pet in my home but my parents didn’t allow me..!! :( Anyways but about gifting it to someone these are the really good point which we should know before we gift any pet to anyone..!! :)
    Saket Jajodia recently posted..How Minors (Under The Age Of 18) Can Earn And Get Cheque From AdSenseMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Matt Kinsella says:
    February 26, 2012 at 10:35 pm

    I think unless you live with the person you are buying the gift for then you should seriously consider not giving a pet as a gift. If you live with the person then you can make the decision that you might be the one that ultimately ends up caring for the animal and if you are happy doing so then giving a pet can be a wonderful thing.
    Matt Kinsella recently posted..Think Like a Dog and be HappyMy Profile

    Reply
  14. issac says:
    February 27, 2012 at 9:29 am


    Twitter:
    My cat give birth to 3 kitties. im gonna all to my 3 best friends. :)
    issac recently posted..Just How Do American Students Relax (29 Pictures)My Profile

    Reply
  15. Cheolsu says:
    February 27, 2012 at 10:18 am

    Sometimes it’s not just about someone wanting a pet, it is also about if they are allowed to have pets in the apartment. In many cities, some apartments management don’t want their residents to own a pet. That said, thank you for the list of things to consider while gifting a pet. They are indeed helpful.
    Cheolsu recently posted..iTunes LoginMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Evita says:
    February 28, 2012 at 2:58 am

    If you know the person well, know their situation and the way they like to spend their time you may know which pet would suit him/her. Sometimes the circumstances dictate the rules and even the person might love a 4 legged friend, he/she might be allowed to keep the fish tank.
    And if personality and the situation allow a person to get a dog or a cat, their lifestyle might not (if they travel a lot, if they are not into walking, etc).
    Evita recently posted..BCBGeneration Liberty PumpMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jane Warren says:
      March 2, 2012 at 4:32 am


      Twitter:
      You’re right – I hate to think of pets being left alone and behind when their owner has to work long hours or travel. The more we know about the situation, the better decisions that can be made.

      Reply
  17. Curtis Nokken says:
    February 29, 2012 at 4:45 am

    You should have total confirmation if the person really wants a pet as a gift. Also make sure he is committed in taking care of one. I guess I’ve been watching The Dog Whisperer way too much but doesn’t mean it only pertains in dogs. I don’t think you’d be ok if in the end, that person will giveaway the pet you gave. I’ll find that insulting that that person has been talking about getting a pet and then regrets ever saying that. And you went to all the trouble for nothing.
    Curtis Nokken recently posted..Oscars 2012 Winners: A Night to RememberMy Profile

    Reply
  18. BJ says:
    February 29, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    I wouldn’t give a pet as a present because there are so many factors and responsibilities that go into that decision. However, what is really fun is to go with friends when they are selecting their new pet. It is one of my favorite things to do.
    BJ recently posted..20 Favorite Atlanta Trails, Parks & Places to WalkMy Profile

    Reply
  19. David says:
    March 2, 2012 at 12:10 am

    I agree that you should make sure that the person wants a pet before giving one. I know that many people are just not cut out for pet ownership. Pets need attention and love and if they don’t get it, they can live a miserable life. That is sad.

    Being as active as you are in this realm, I would guess that you are familiar with the dog rescue program where people car
    relay’ across country to get a dog to a good owner?

    Reply
  20. jan says:
    March 2, 2012 at 12:45 am


    Twitter:
    Some good pointers here Jane. What people forget is that cute little kittens and puppies grow to adulthood and they live for 10 or more years and can cost quite a bit of money over that period of time, especially if they get sick – like both of mine got sick and cost me $6,000 over a period of 6 months!

    If somebody expresses a wish to have a pet, I think you should take them to make the choice rather than choosing it for them, I was given a kitten for my 50th birthday and it took me quite a while to bond with him and accept him because I really wanted one from the shelter. He is a dear little boy but it could have been a disaster!

    Shelters also have older cats and dogs that may be more suitable that a kitten or puppy for some people.
    jan recently posted..Is fish safe to eat?My Profile

    Reply
    • Jane Warren says:
      March 2, 2012 at 4:37 am


      Twitter:
      Thanks for taking time to comment. I know what you mean about the expense of owning pets that need expensive vet care – as responsible owners, we are going to do as much as we can to get them the treatment they need.
      I think going with them to pick out their pet would be a lot of fun. My problem is that I would probably come home with one too, especially if we went to the local shelter!!
      Jane Warren recently posted..Four Paws Wee Wee Puppy Pads ReviewMy Profile

      Reply
  21. Chloe B says:
    March 4, 2012 at 11:44 am


    Twitter:
    It is dangerous territory, the giving of pets as a present. If ever there is an apt time to give an animal as a gift it is after the loss of a loved one. Of course a pet can never replace that loss, but the sense of caring and getting love back does help the healing process. But as one reader suggested, a dog or cat can live on for some ten years, and the responsibility both financially and in terms of having to care for the animal could be shared. If one is going to give this kind of gift, they should at least offer to help look after the animal later on.
    Chloe B recently posted..Mailbox key lost? Post Boxes UK to the rescueMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Traduceri Autorizate says:
    March 6, 2012 at 12:45 pm


    Twitter:
    You make some good points, but you forgot about the pet. Here’s what I mean: I once received a bird for a birthday present. It was a small, yellow with green stripes bird in a not very small cage. I had it for 5 days, in which time it never ate anything and just took a few sips of water. Eventually, after trying everything I know to get it to feel better (with no success), I was forced to let it fly away, or it would have died for sure. I don’t think that bird was meant to be in kept captivity and this is maybe another issue to look out for when you want to buy a pet for a present.

    Reply
  23. Andrew says:
    March 7, 2012 at 5:21 am

    I don’t think you should ever get a pet for someone else. Pets are a huge responsibility and they’re very personal. I believe a person should feel a connection to their pets in order to care for them. Life is not like TV. The chances of a person instantly falling in love with that cute kitten are very small..

    Reply
  24. Norm says:
    March 7, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    Great article. As a pet-lover, I think it’s incredibly important to know the situation of the person or family that you’re giving the pet to. It’s unfair to the animal to put it into a home that can’t provide the love and care it deserves. I also think it’s important for there to be a “socialization” period where the person or family meets the pet and can decide if the pet is the right fit. All animals have their own personalities and not every pet is right for every person.
    Norm recently posted..Create CPA Websites Just Like the ProfessionalsMy Profile

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  25. Sarah DW says:
    March 8, 2012 at 5:37 pm

    Great tips and advice. We have got our pets from rescue shelters and each time we have spent time with the animal before bringing him home, mainly so they got used to us. Had no problems at all.

    It is sad to think how many people buy pets without thinking about whether they can long term provide and look after them.

    Thanks again for your article!
    Sarah DW recently posted..Top Tips: Travelling with an InfantMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Arun says:
    March 14, 2012 at 8:01 pm

    I totally agree. Only because you like pets, you should not present it to people. You need to consider recepients point of view also. Good suggestions.

    Reply
  27. Arun says:
    March 14, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    I totally agree. Only because you like pets, you should not present it to people. You need to consider recipients point of view also. Good suggestions.

    Reply
  28. Andrea Crilly says:
    March 27, 2012 at 12:03 am

    Nice to read this! Once all of these points are checked off and you are ready to fall in love come to the ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon, a 24 hour around-the-clock pet adoption event on March 31st! The Humane Society of Greater Miami, Miami-Dade Animal Services and The Cat Network, Inc., along with many other local rescue groups, are joining forces to save animal’s lives! If you are not in Miami or area just google the event “Mega Match-a-thon” and see if there is one in your city — but hurry these little friends are waiting.
    Andrea Crilly recently posted..Rescue A Pet!My Profile

    Reply
  29. Andrea Crilly says:
    April 6, 2012 at 4:41 am

    The event was a total success for Miami even though a strong storm unexpectedly struck in the late afternoon on Saturday, presenting a serious challenge. In 24 hours 288 cats and dogs found a forever home! Puppies and kittens were are gone by the early morning. Look out for the next Mega Match-A-Thon in your city and if you are interested read more and watch our recap video.
    Andrea Crilly recently posted..Mega Match-A-Thon Total Success: 288 pets find a forever home in South FloridaMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Mario says:
    May 27, 2012 at 1:37 pm


    Twitter:
    I remember an incident where a friend of mine gifted me an Alsatian pup a few years ago. I used to live alone and had no clue how to handle the poor thing. Left with no options, I had to keep him for a few days and then I gave it to my uncle because I wasn’t capable of handling it. My friend did not research at all whether or not I could have the pup all by myself. The above tips should definitely be followed!!!
    Mario recently posted..The Coolest Blog Commenting Plugin For WordPress!My Profile

    Reply
  31. Kenneth Gibbons says:
    June 13, 2012 at 10:02 pm

    These are five great points to consider. I have 4 cats (Willow, Cindy, Minnie and Angel). Not all people want or are capable in caring for pets. Pets are like children that don’t grow up.

    Reply
  32. Dr. Kramer says:
    July 24, 2012 at 12:33 am

    As a practicing veterinarian, I find it so very difficult to deal with the consequences of people giving pets as “gifts”. In particular, the months after the Easter Holiday tend to produce a large number of unwanted or neglected rabbits. While they were small and cute at Easter time, many people quickly lose interest and “dump them” shortly thereafter. I wish people would think things through before making decisions that impact other living creatures.
    Dr. Kramer recently posted..Fat Cat! Proper Cat NutritionMy Profile

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  33. Alex says:
    November 15, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    I absolutely agree with all people who say that any pet should not be given as a gift. Never. It is absolutely not responsible, I would tell that it is pretty disgusting and not fair. Pets are not slaves in the ancient Rome to be presented or gifted. I think that human which presents pets like some kind of gift ( like ipad or box of chocolate or something) should pay fine, big fine. Only when somebody asks you to present with pet and can not afford buying one from the pet-shop , it is ok … but all other cases – it is not good at all. Pets are alive creatures of god, not toys, not things created by humans.
    Alex recently posted..9 pink roses delivery in Kiev UkraineMy Profile

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  34. Peaches says:
    March 27, 2013 at 11:23 pm


    Twitter:
    Pet’s aren’t gift they are responsabilities for the long term.
    Peaches recently posted..American Golden Retriever vs English Creme Golden RetrieverMy Profile

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