A Pet May Not Be the Perfect Gift

Originally published in LEO on December 8, 1999 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026

From The Pet Guy Archives

Originally published as part of Jeff Seidenfaden's weekly Like Cats and Dogs newspaper column in LEO, this article explores one of the most common questions that arises every holiday season: Should a pet ever be given as a Christmas gift?

While the excitement of surprising someone with a puppy or kitten may seem heartfelt, responsible pet ownership begins with thoughtful planning. This column encourages families to consider the lifelong commitment that comes with bringing a pet into the home—and offers meaningful alternatives that can make the holidays just as special.

A Pet May Not Be the Perfect Gift

Twinkling lights hung from homes and bushes tell us Christmas is just around the corner. At this time of year, many people begin searching for the "perfect" gift for someone special.

For some, the idea of giving a pet immediately comes to mind. On the surface, it seems like a thoughtful gift that will keep on giving. However, those of us who work with organizations such as Animal Care and Control, the Shamrock Foundation, The Animal Care Society, and the Kentucky Humane Society know that many pets given as gifts are surrendered to shelters shortly after the holiday season.

Let's look at it another way.

When you give someone a puppy for Christmas, you're also giving them the responsibility of annual pet food, veterinary examinations, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, flea prevention, grooming, toys, treats, accessories, and all of the other expenses that come with responsible pet ownership.

In 1999, those first-year costs commonly ranged from $390 to more than $1,000, and raising a puppy properly often required dozens of hours devoted to house training, socialization, and daily care.

Most importantly, you're asking someone to make a commitment that may last 10 to 15 years—the lifetime of that pet.

Before giving a pet as a gift, ask yourself two important questions:

• Is this truly something the recipient wants?

• Are they prepared for the financial, emotional, and time commitment that comes with pet ownership?

• 
  

Choosing a pet is also a very personal decision. Every family has different needs and lifestyles. One person may prefer a small, low-shedding companion, while another may be looking for a larger, more active breed. The right pet for one family may be completely wrong for another.

Fortunately, there are wonderful alternatives.

Instead of placing a puppy or kitten beneath the Christmas tree, consider giving a stuffed animal that resembles the type of pet your loved one hopes to adopt, along with a gift certificate to a local shelter. After the holiday excitement has passed, the recipient can thoughtfully choose the pet that best fits their family and lifestyle.

You might also purchase some of the supplies a new pet will need—food bowls, a leash, toys, or a comfortable bed—and wrap those beneath the tree. When the time comes to welcome a new companion home, many of the essentials will already be waiting.

Another meaningful gift is sponsoring the cost of a pet's spay or neuter surgery or making a donation to a local animal organization. Supporting shelters, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations benefits not only individual pets but the entire community.

If concerns about pet overpopulation are important to you, consider donating your time, money, or supplies to your favorite animal charity. Even a modest contribution can help provide medical care, shelter, and a second chance for homeless animals.

The greatest gift we can give animals is not simply a home—it is a well-prepared, lifelong commitment.

The PetGuy Perspective Today

This is one article where my perspective has changed very little.

Today, many shelters actually encourage the phrase "Adopt for Life, Not for Christmas." The concern has never been about surprising someone with a pet; it's about ensuring that the decision is made thoughtfully and that every member of the household is ready for the commitment.

That said, there are exceptions. Parents who have already decided to welcome a pet into the family—and have carefully prepared for the responsibility—may choose to make that adoption part of their holiday celebration. The key difference is that the decision has already been made, rather than placing the responsibility on someone unexpectedly.

More than twenty-five years later, I still believe the best gift we can give any pet is a forever home with a family that's ready for the journey.

Continue Reading in The Pet Guy Archives

• Giving Thanks, One Pooch at a Time

• Winterizing Your Pets

• House Training Made Easy

• Basic Training for Your New Puppy

About The Pet Guy Archives

The Pet Guy Archives preserve Jeff Seidenfaden's original newspaper columns, television features, and educational articles spanning more than three decades. Each article is carefully republished to preserve its historical authenticity while making it accessible to today's pet owners.