Who wouldn’t want to find an adorable puppy under the tree on Christmas?
But pets aren’t always the best holiday gifts for a variety of reasons. Introducing a new animal into the home during one of the most chaotic times of the year can be stressful for the recipient as well as the pet. And impulse pet purchases tend to come from breeders or pet stores, supporting over breeding while millions of animals in shelters are waiting for a home.
Pets that are given as gifts sometimes end up returned, surrendered or abandoned, putting more pressure on animal shelters.
There are plenty of thoughtful pet-related gifts to give instead. Giving a donation to a shelter or wildlife rehabilitation center in the recipient’s name can help save animals’ lives. It’s also possible to sponsor a kennel at an animal shelter, helping provide food, bedding and medical care for rescued pets.
An adoption gift certificate for a shelter can also be a great present, allowing the recipient to choose a pet that’s the right fit for them at a time of their choosing.
The slideshow above highlights other reasons to avoid giving someone a new pet for the holidays.
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