Giving a puppy or dog as a gift is always a controversial choice. Dog ownership is long term commitment that requires responsibility and sometimes, a large sum of money. Christmas is very close, and we wanted to go over what to consider if you want to give a dog as a gift. There are a lot of considerations that should be taken into account before you make this decision.
What to Consider if You Want to Give a Dog as a Gift
NEVER give a dog or puppy as a surprise gift!
As exciting as it may be to see a child’s face light up when they pick up a new puppy for the first time, it is imperative that their parents or family have given consent to do so. Pets are a great addition to any family, but they are also a long-term commitment. Not everyone is able to take on the responsibility of a pet and surprising them with one may seriously upset them.
You should only give a puppy to family or very close friends.
If you are making the choice to give a dog as a gift, you should be close enough to the owner to know if they have the time and money to take care of a pet. If the recipient is a child under 12, understand that their parents must be ready and willing to take on the responsibility of the dog or puppy. As we stated above, it is very important that the gift of a dog is not a surprise. If you give the dog as a surprise gift to a friend or family member, they might not really want the dog but don’t want to hurt your feelings by saying no.
If you have consent to give a dog or puppy as a gift, know where it is coming from.
If you are going to get the puppy from a breeder, make sure they are an accredited breeder. You don’t want to end up giving a puppy as a gift from a puppy mill. Puppies that come from mills tend to be sick and have ongoing health problems. Sometimes it is better to adopt and not shop. Consider asking a shelter if they offer gift certificates so you can let your recipient pick their companion out. Another good thing about adoption is that if the dog or puppy doesn’t end up being the right fit, the volunteers are likely to take it back to find the pet another home.
If you do end up giving the holiday gift of a furry friend, let your recipient know about our dog training class options.