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Think Twice Before Making a Pet a Present
WHEN YOU'RE ALL OUT OF IDEAS,
sometimes it is tempting to
give the gift of love, an adorable puppy, kitten, bunny, baby chicks ....or an iguana.
What could be a more delightful surprise – guaranteed to make
any occasion special!
Unfortunately, what seems like an inspired idea
may turn out to be terrible mistake. At Hollywood Pet Hospital
we frequently hear sad stories, and are asked to help people
figure out what to do with pets they were given and cannot keep.
Some unlucky animals are ignored and neglected;
others end up euthanized.
Frankly, pets rarely make good surprise presents. If somebody
wants a pet, they will get one that they want and that suits their lifestyle. If they don't already
have a cat or a dog or a coop full of chickens, it is probably for a good reason...
Before you go out to buy a friend a kitty or a puppy or a ferret,
etc. STOP and ask yourself the following
questions:
- Does your friend really want the pet you have in mind to give?
It's an obvious question but often overlooked. Does the person
want a pet at all? Do you have enough information to select a pet
for somebody else? Do you know what kinds of animals he/she likes,
what species, breed, sex, size, color, temperament, etc? If you're
unsure about what kind of tie to buy, how can you presume to match
them with a living creature?
- Does the prospective pet owner understand what the animal
needs?
Some people, especially children, are totally unprepared for the reality
of caring for an animal day in and day out. Think about the animal's
physical and emotional needs, and the time and money required for its
care (routine and non-routine veterinary work, food, supplies, etc.).
Some animals, like birds and reptiles, have extremely specific needs,
and caring for them requires extra effort and commitment. Are you giving somebody a new
companion or an unrequested burden?
- Will the person be able to care for the new pet properly?
It's important to consider the person's circumstances before you give
them a pet. Money - Can the person afford the cost of taking
care of the animal? Transportation - Does he/she have a way to
take the pet to the veterinarian? Space - Does he have enough
room to accommodate an animal? Time and permanence - Does
he have the time to spend and the stability to care for a pet over its
lifetime? If you're getting a pet for child, you need to consider
his/her maturity and if he/she will have help with the
big job of caring for another life. Not every animal is right for everyone.
Finally, if you do decide to give a pet and it doesn't work out, you
should be willing to take responsibility for it yourself. Always remember
that animals in human custody depend on us for all their needs. At minimum,
this consists of food, appropriate shelter, medical care, and daily
attention and interaction.
Children need to be taught what it means to be a responsible pet owner,
and they learn by example. Caring for and loving an animal can be a wonderful
way to learn empathy, compassion, respect for all life, responsibility,
patience, planning and dependability - it's also lots of fun!
At Hollywood Pet Hospital, we have many insights into different animals
and their care, their typical personalities, and what kinds of situations are ideal
for them and what kinds are terrible. We love to talk about the pets we've
known and the experience we've gained.
Let us help you make an informed decision.
Every animal deserves to have a home
where it will be properly cared for and wanted.
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