Why do some people think pets as gifts are a bad idea?

For a birthday it's not a bad idea if the person really wants a pet. At Christmas it is a different point. The animal could be pushed aside for other presents. And the activity around the house or apartment can be to much for a animal.

It isn't so much that the idea is bad in itself. It is that the idea is not good in many circumstances.

Every holiday, (at least christmas and easter in particular) there are a lot of pets that are given as gifts. Statistics show that a very large number of those pets end up being abandoned or given up to shelters or whatever.

What this says is that many of those gifts shouldn't have been given. That is the true point behind some people saying animals (pets) are a bad choice for a gift. It IS a a bad choice all too often. This is not saying that there are not many people that receive pets and the gift turned out to be a super gift for that person. It is saying that you should be absolutely certain that the receiver wants and will take care of the gifted animal. It is otherwise a terrible thing to do to an animal, to condemn it to an eventual abandonment.

You have to be sure that the person who is going to be getting the pet really does want one. A pet can be a lot of work and a major expense.

Here is an example: So, while you may think that getting a cat for your older mother would be a great gift, are you sure she wants to pay for cat litter and cat food and change the litter and take care of vet bills? This could be true of any person who does not have a pet. Maybe the reason they don't have one is because they feel they can't afford to care for one, or they don't have time for one.

If you are going to get a pet for someone as a gift, make sure that the home the pet is going to actually wanted that pet. I gave my daughter's a kitten for Christmas one year. We adopted it from the local shelter. But I was bringing it into MY home for my daughters, so I knew that I wanted it and could care for it. When parents tell their children "no" to having pets, it is usually because the parent knows how responsible thier kids are. If the parent knows that it will end up being a "fight" to get the kid to walk the dog, then they are going to tell the kid "no" if they don't want to take on the extra work of caring for the dog when the teenager is busy.

If you give a pet to someone else, to have in a home you don't live in, then how can you be sure that it will be wanted, loved and cared for unless you know 100% that the person you gave it to wanted the pet you picked out.

I'm not replying to be rude like half of these people, I'm just answering your Question.

1.) You never know if the person you are gifting the pet to is allergic. And if they are, then what? Shelter.

2.) When people buy presents for there children, they loose interested VERY quickly, and this doesn't change just because it's an animal.

3.) During the holidays is a busy time already, but then to ad an animal to house break and adjust to your life it makes everything even more hectic. Trust me, lol we just got a puppy about a week before Christmas and all though we love her and she's not going any where, she is a handful, especially now. We were aware of this before we got her, but she was so adorable and we couldn't say no, hahah!

That's all that comes to mind right now, but it does make sense. Happy Holidays!:)

I feel that a gift of a pet if for a child should be discussed with parent before giving one it is a big responsibility it is wonderful to give a pet to someone but just giving one without talking before hand may lead to animals latter down the road in shelter .. we have so many in them now wanting loving homes so sad all these with no homes before buying one for a gift if you decide its right try the shelters and save a life too :) I believe a puppy or cat would be a wonderful companion if thought about its future with that person

It's because of the many dogs which end up in shelters because things didn't work. And the many dogs which are neglected and mistreated by resentful owners. Not because of those which do work out.

Children are very skilled at nagging their parents into buying them gifts. But they are not aware of the long term consequences of owning a dog or any other pet. So after a while they get bored, neglect it or it grows up isn't cute any more and eventually the family abandon it or take it to a rescue centre. As a consequence many are destroyed each year.

It depends. If the person you want to give a pet to wants that pet, has done research and is prepared to take care of that pet then I see no problem with it.

If you surprise someone with an animal they didn't ask for its a bad idea. Those are the pets that will likely end up at shelters.

i imagine the way it handed off on your case is large! That way that is carefully okay to grant a pup (or man or woman dogs) as a present. First of you knew what getting a pup ought to point (financially and for your loose time) and also you knew you should get it. Secondly you elect the pup you wanted! it truly is major because you should spend some thing else of the dogs existence with it. Giving a pup (or any animal) as a marvel present is an absolute NO flow!!!! Giving a pup (or any animal) as a present yet no longer letting the destiny proprietor choose is likewise an absolute NO flow!!!! and under no circumstances ever supply a pup as a Christmas present instantly at Christmas because once you've a huge Christmas party of any variety it places way too a lot rigidity on the pup. extra proper purchase a leash, collar, or besides the indisputable fact that you want for a pup and delivers that as a present at Christmas and enable the destiny proprietor recognize that there'll come "extra"...

It could be a bad idea based on the amount of responsibility pets bring. The person that you give the pet to may not have the space, time, or money to support and take care of the pet as it should be.

because most of the time that person doesnt want a pet, they are not prepared for one, they dont have time to care for one or done have the space to care for one. i mean i keep fish as pets but id be a bit annoyed if say i got a betta (for example) as a gift as i wouldnt have anywhere to put another tank

i mean i suppose its ok if you know what pet that person wants and they have done all their research and have money saved up to take care of it. but giving someone like a 15ft python as a gift especially when they have no idea how to care for it is just stupid