PAWPRINTS

Many people think of giving a  puppy or kitten to a loved one as a Christmas gift.  The thought of a cute puppy or kitten coming out of a box to lick the face of her new owner may sound like a wonderful surprise, but giving a pet as a gift is risky at best.

Even though it may take away from the element of surprise, the potential pet owner should be involved in this highly personal decision.   The new owner must  be prepared for this new addition, which involves financial commitments, possible introduction to other household pets, and the owner’s ability to devote time to the new animal. Without establishing these parameters upfront, the owner may be caught off-guard by this unexpected gift, feel too embarrassed to refuse it, and later give the animal to a shelter, or keep it even though the relationship doesn’t work.

Between 6 million and 8 million dogs and cats are housed in animal shelters across the country each year. With a 70 percent average rate of euthanasia in those shelters, the end result of giving a pet as an unexpected gift may very well be its eventual placement and death there.

Please read Acquiring a New Dog  and Acquiring a New Cat or Kitten

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