Christmas Pets: Pros and Cons
By Diana L Guerrero (Ark Lady) on December 12, 2011 5:30 am | Leave A Comment

Christmas pets and gift giving don’t always go together, so let’s explore the pros and cons of giving a pet as a gift during this holiday season.

Cons of Giving a Christmas Pet

Purchasing a pet as a gift poses a variety of problems. One of the biggest concerns has to do with supporting the commercial mills that produce those pets that are sold over the counter.

Retail outlets frequently obtain their animals from livestock suppliers who “farm” animals. These establishments breed large numbers of young pets for the trade and are more popularly known as “puppy mills.”

Investigations revealed that this industry keeps animals in substandard conditions where humane animal management is lacking and proper veterinary medical care is seldom provided. Would you want to support such trade?

Puppy mill offspring come from poor genetic lines and so usually suffer from a variety of maladies and lack the necessary socialization since they have only lived in cramped cages. They start life off without the solid upbringing that makes them optimal pets.

Another concern is that the recipient is not likely to be prepared to receive such an animal. Planning for a pet lifestyle is an adjustment and essential for successful placement as pet parenting duties will last a long time, perhaps up to 20 years.

Then there are the financial commitments that come with pet ownership such as veterinary medical costs, grooming services, training programs, and pet care costs. Add in pet supplies and meals and the recipient might be overwhelmed with a pet present.

An unprepared person might just get rid of that new pet–and that is a trauma for everyone.

Pros of Giving Christmas Pets

Nothing is as enchanting as a new furry, family member. A animal addition helps teach responsibility, creates concern and respect for animals, and helps facilitates deeper emotional connections. There are also physiological changes that come with pet ownership. Pets help to reduce stress and bring more joy into the home.

In the past, many agencies did not encourage pet adoptions during the holidays. However, once the Home for the Holidays idea began to spread, pet adoptions during the festive season soon gained popularity.

The benefit is that this adoption focus helps discourage purchases from commercial livestock suppliers–giving people a more humane option. If the household is ready, willing and prepared, instead of surprised, then a pet might be the perfect addition to the family.

Instead of getting a pet as a holiday gift, consider purchasing a pet adoption certificate along with the necessary supplies. This will allow preparation and also create more flexibility by allowing the gift recipient to decide just what arrival time or animal is right for them.