• Hero Banner
  • ACVCACVC
  • DVM 360
  • Fetch DVM 360Fetch DVM 360
DVM 360
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
By Role
AssociatesOwnersPractice ManagerStudentsTechnicians
Subscriptions
dvm360 Newsletterdvm360 Magazine
News
All News
Association
Breaking News
Education
Equine
FDA
Law & Ethics
Market Trends
Medical
Products
Recalls
Regulatory
Digital Media
dvm360 LIVE!™
Expert Interviews
The Vet Blast Podcast
Medical World News
Pet Connections
The Dilemma Live
Vet Perspectives™
Weekly Newscast
dvm360 Insights™
Publications
All Publications
dvm360
Firstline
Supplements
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vetted
Clinical
All Clinical
Anesthesia
Animal Welfare
Behavior
Cardiology
CBD in Pets
Dentistry
Dermatology
Diabetes
Emergency & Critical Care
Endocrinology
Equine Medicine
Exotic Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine
Gastroenterology
Imaging
Infectious Diseases
Integrative Medicine
Nutrition
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Parasitology
Pharmacy
Surgery
Toxicology
Urology & Nephrology
Virtual Care
Business
All Business
Business & Personal Finance
Buying or Selling a Practice
Hospital Design
Leadership & Personal Growth
Personnel Management
Practice Finances
Practice Operations
Technology
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Continuing Education
Conferences
Live Conferences
Conference News
Conference Proceedings
Resources
CBD in Pets
Contests
Veterinary Heroes
Partners
Spotlight Series
Team Meeting in a Box
Toolkit
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vet to Vet
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
By Role
  • Associates
  • Owners
  • Practice Manager
  • Students
  • Technicians
Subscriptions
  • dvm360 Newsletter
  • dvm360 Magazine
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us
  • MJHLS Brand Logo

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

7 questions to answer before gifting a pet this holiday

December 14, 2010

Pets aren't always the perfect holiday gift. Here's what to consider before you bestow a fur ball upon an unsuspecting someone.

You may think that puppy is cute and cuddly, and therefore, the best present you could ever give someone. But if you're thinking of giving a pet as a gift, whether to your child, a friend, or someone else in your family, be sure to remember that you're giving them a gift that will endure much longer than those fuzzy socks or that itchy sweater.

From USA Today and animal behaviorist Jonathan Klein, here are seven questions to help you think through that decision:

1. Does this person really want a pet?

If the person doesn't already have a pet, ask yourself why that is. Or, if the person already has a pet or two, ask yourself if adding another one is in the best interest of the person and the pets.

2. Is this the right time?

If the person really does want a pet, look at the timing. Most people are far too busy to introduce a new pet into their home while trying to keep up with all the demands of the season. Why not consider a different, more laidback time of year?

3. Is this an impulse decision?

That kitten in your clinic has been looking for a home. And ‘tis the season to be charitable, right? Wrong. Instead of gifting that kitten to someone you love to give it an immediate home, why not go the extra mile to find the kitten a family that really wants it? Post some flyers at the grocery store, hand out flyers at your clinic, and spread the word.

4. Is fostering a better option?

Advertisement

Animal rescues are always looking for responsible people to provide foster homes on a short- or long-term basis until they can find them a forever home. Find a responsible breeder, shelter or a rescue group.

5. Is this pet the best fit?

Consider pets other than dogs and cats, especially if the pet is for a child. Fish, turtles, mice, and guinea pigs are all excellent, easy, and economical choices that kids can enjoy and love without creating much of an impact to a daily routine.

6. Is the recipient's home prepared?

The potential new pet owner needs to lock away all household chemicals, keep any potentially poisonous houseplants or breakables out of reach, tie back any electrical cords, and keep doors closed. Holiday decorations like tinsel, mistletoe, wrapping paper, and table decorations can be problematic. And certain foods, including chocolate and raisins, can be lethal.

7. Does the recipient have supplies and resources?

Stock up at the pet store and help him or her choose a veterinarian and locate the nearest emergency veterinary hospital that's open 24/7.

Related Content:

TechniciansClient Relations & Marketing
Workplace bottlenecks in the LGBTQIA+ community
Workplace bottlenecks in the LGBTQIA+ community
The importance of safety, trust, and equity in the practice
The importance of safety, trust, and equity in the practice
Can our Pride panel answer these LGBTQ+ trivia questions?
Can our Pride panel answer these LGBTQ+ trivia questions?

Advertisement

Latest News

Morris Animal Foundation accepting canine cancer research proposals

AI-enhanced MyLabX90VET ultrasound system unveiled

The Brady Hunter Foundation teams up with Humane Society of Greater Miami for Clear the Shelter event

Saving sea turtles helps rescue see data insights

View More Latest News
Advertisement