Pets As Gifts: Good Idea or Bad? The ASPCA Speaks Out

When I was about 18, I came home one day to a big surprise. My parents had brought home a cuddly West Highland White Terrier puppy for me as a present. It had a big red bow around his neck and was all warm, furry and pudgy. I named him Tigger (he was quite bouncy), and I was in heaven! At 18, I was certainly old enough to care for him and we had recently lost our previous Westie to cancer. So my parent’s knew I had some experience in raising a dog and Tigger became my pal and lived with me to the ripe old age of 15. But, what about pets as unwanted gifts? Is looking at pets as a commodity to be gifted a good idea? Is taking a chance your “gift” will be received positively the best way to go? It’s certainly food for thought and, with people having strong opinions pro and con, can make for an enthusiastic debate. The ASPCA, following a national survey, has now weighed in to answer the question about giving pets as gifts. Good idea or bad? Let’s find out.

From  the results of their recent survey, the ASPCA has come to the conclusion that, under certain conditions, it is not only ok to give a pet as a gift, but could be a great idea. Some of the interesting discoveries made include:

• 96% of those surveyed reported that receiving a pet as a present either made them more attached to the animal or didn’t affect their attachment at all

• the vast majority of the pets, 86%, remained in the home, which made me feel better that it may not be the terrible idea I thought it was

• it didn’t seem to matter whether it was a surprise gift or planned

In their position statement on this topic, the ASPCA also referenced several studies done in the 1990’s and 2000, which revealed another interesting fact.

• pets given as gifts were less likely to be relinquished than a pet acquired by the owner

I was surprised to learn this. Do you think there’s a feeling of added responsibility to care for a pet given to you as a gift?

The ASPCA does state that pets should only be gifted to those who have expressed wanting a pet and where you know the person can care for the animal responsibly. It’s also important to know they have enough time in their schedule to properly train and exercise a pet. If the person is 12 years old or under, the ASPCA says, the parent or guardian should be able and willing to assume full responsibility for the animal. And, finally, it is strongly recommended that the pet is adopted from an animal shelter, rescue organization, friend, family member or responsible breeder.  Never obtain an animal from a shady organization or person.

All this makes sense to me. The ASPCA recommendation takes the onus out of giving this kind of gift because you have done your homework and know this person wants and can care for the animal. And, an important added bonus is adopting dogs or cats from a shelter or rescue organization to give to someone, helps give more animals their forever home. So if there’s someone in your life who’s been talking about getting a dog or cat for awhile, maybe consider giving this as their holiday present. Better yet, take them with you to your local shelter or rescue and let them pick out their gift themselves. It could be the best present they ever got.

If you are planning to give a puppy or grown dog as a gift, here’s a great guide to help your friend with transitioning their new addition into the home and learning how to care for him or her. It’s called The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting and Owning a Dog, and it’s clear, concise and fun to read. It covers everything from how to choose a dog, what you need to set up house, its health care,  grooming, training and more. A great all in one guide for the new owner.

What are your thoughts about giving pets as gifts? Agree or disagree? Weigh in!

Stay tuned for my story on fashionable items to set up house with your new dog. Coming tomorrow!

Until next time…