Pets as Christmas gifts

Christmas is a time when families get together. There is a lot of joyful chaos and people rushing here and there with many things to do. In all this, it is very easy to forget the puppy needs a walk, or there is a tiny kitten underfoot who is constantly getting stepped on. In all the confusion new responsibilities can easily be forgotten, such as walking or feeding the puppy.

Animals, and especially young animals, thrive on routine. They like to be fed at a certain time and in a certain place, by a certain person, and often a certain food. Holidays can be hard even on seasoned pets as strangers invade their space and special occasions disturb their daily routine.

For a young animal, this bedlam, however cheerful, can make it seem like they've just arrived in a very scary place. Their mother and their littermates, the familiar human caretaker has somehow disappeared and been replaced by a gang of strangers. All their familiar routines are disrupted. They have to become accustomed to a new place to sleep, a new food, new place to eat, a new time to eat, and, of course, when and where they are allowed to go to the bathroom. How overwhelming this must be for a young animal!

1 - The interest level of the child or children asking for the pet
With the best intentions in the world, a child will beg for a pet and promise to care for it. But children are not in complete control of their worlds or their time. They are still exploring their likes and dislikes, and the puppy that was so important to them last week may be forgotten this week. Playing and walking the puppy might become too time consuming once soccer season begins.

2 - The unfortunate practical facts of life
Children usually are not aware, or do not quite understand, some of the practical limitations on their family. Perhaps the lease agreement for the house or apartment does not allow pets, or only allows certain kinds, or requires a substantial deposit for a pet.

Pets require food, shelter, and health care, all of which cost money. Money the family may not have, or may not be willing to spend.

3 - Incompatibility or just unwelcome
Another problem often occurs when someone other than the family chooses a pet. Perhaps you like very hyper, happy dogs, but the family in question prefers a nice, quiet animal. The puppy you would choose is a wonderful puppy - but not the right puppy for them! Both the animal and the family will be unhappy. The family is faced with dealing with a dog they do not like very much, or disposing of him either by finding a more compatible home or off to the Shelter.

In fact, it could be even worse. It is not uncommon for a child to beg for a pet that is inappropriate or that their family is unwilling or unable to care for. If they get a puppy from Auntie for Christmas, by New Years the puppy may find itself at the Animal Shelter waiting to die, or abandoned somewhere to suffer a slower and more painful death. Never give a pet for Christmas unless you are absolutely sure that the entire family, everyone living in the home the pet is going to, welcomes the new addition - and that includes any established pets the family may already have.

Okay - parents probably don't hear that quite as often as they used to, but I bet they still do. Or it's companion "I want a horse for Christmas".

Ponies, and horses, take a great deal more care - and money - than smaller pets. Just because someone has moved into a new home "with room for a pony" does not mean that they have the knowledge and funds to care for such a high maintenance animal.

According to Horse & Rider in 2008 it costs approximately one thousand dollars a month to care for a horse. This is averaged out, of course, to include vet and shoeing for a year. Still, the price of hay and feed are going up. Even if the horse is boarded at a stable, the boarding stable will probably raise their prices as well - since they have to buy feed, too.

For the child who is begging for a pony, I suggest that you find a local stable that gives riding lessons. The most responsible ones will also include horsemanship in their training. That is, information about caring for a horse or pony. The child will learn about shoeing, regular vet care, the importance of regular feeding and many other things necessary for the well being of a horse or pony. They will also learn just how much work is really involved! A gift certificate for several months worth of riding lessons will allow the family involved to find out just what they are getting into, and if their interest and finances are up to it.

Another good alternative these days are the many online games, or sim games for the computer that are focused on horses. Some are more realistic than others - requiring a daily visit to "feed" your virtual horses, as well as providing other care. Others are pure fantasy and fun - and may well fulfill that desire for all the wonderful things about horses - without the cost and responsibility of the real thing.

Exotic pets such as reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates are always in particular danger of neglect. Although really, most reptiles have simple needs, most of them do not deal with stress well. You know, all those rushing relatives. Maybe a few of those rushing relatives who will scream in fear at every glimpse of the new pet. Believe it or not, in most cases the fear behavior scares the pet as much as the human. This sort of pet should never be given as a "surprise" gift.

A good book or video on the proper care of an exotic pet would be a much better alternative. Both the child, and the parents, can get a better idea of the animals needs and whether or not something that seems "cool" - like a snake - is really what they are looking for in a pet.

Even small animals such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, guinea pigs, or rabbits can become a big problem at Christmas time. Most small animals are nervous with loud noises or chaotic situations and strange people. A surprising number of people are equally nervous about small animals!

Some of the housing pet shops will happily sell you with the pet, is not actually the best suited. Escapes are not uncommon. A hamster underfoot at a big family gathering is not likely to survive - although he might provide a considerable amount of entertainment and a memory to last forever!

Perhaps you have considered all of these things, and know the family truly wants a pet. Still, the holidays are a very chaotic time, a terrible time to make a new family addition. Here is my suggestion. Instead of buying the puppy, kitten, pony or ferret - purchase one of those wonderful small plush toy versions of the animal. Pack it into a pretty package with a certificate you can draw up or print on your computer that says "this little puppy is to hold the place in your heart for the real puppy who will arrive (and a good date you have chosen after consulting with the family)" After the holidays the entire family and the gift giver can go together to chose the pet they desire. Then the family will gain a new member who is completely compatible with them and their needs at a time when they are best able to greet this new family addition and see to the animals needs as well.

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