The holidays are a time for giving, but sometimes, well-intentioned gifts can have unintended consequences. While your child may have a puppy on their Christmas wish list, or you feel like your older parents could use a companion, giving a dog as a gift can be a recipe for disaster. Dogs are lifetime commitments—not unexpected surprises—and deserve to be brought into a home ready to take on the responsibility of pet ownership.

1. Commitment, Not Convenience: The average lifespan of a dog is 12 years, but it’s not uncommon for some dogs to reach 20 years of age. Dogs require significant time, energy, and financial resources. From daily walks and training to vet bills and food costs, caring for a dog is a constant responsibility. If you’re not prepared for the daily responsibilities of a pet, the joy of this holiday present can fade quickly.
   
   
2. Unforeseen Circumstances: Unlike other presents, you can’t just untie the ribbon on your puppy and put them aside. Caring for a puppy starts immediately. The holidays are already a stressful time, and now your puppy needs attention in order to navigate the chaos with ease. Puppies require training immediately to prevent long-lasting behavioral issues.
   
   
3. Considering Allergies: Does the potential dog owner (or someone in their household) have allergies? This is a crucial consideration before introducing a furry friend. Ignoring allergies can lead to a miserable experience for everyone involved, and ultimately, an unwanted animal.
   
   
4. Finding the Perfect Match: Every dog has its own personality and needs. Matching a dog’s breed, energy level, and temperament to the recipient’s lifestyle is crucial. A hyperactive pooch might not be the best fit for an apartment dweller, while a senior dog might need a quieter environment. Rushing the decision to get a dog as a gift can lead to a mismatch, ultimately causing frustration for both the owner and the dog.

Instead of gifting a lifetime commitment, consider the following options:

• Consider a donation to a local animal shelter in your loved one’s name. This way, they can still support animal welfare without the responsibility of dog ownership.
  
  
• Give a gift certificate: If you have a family member or friend that is committed to taking on the responsibility of a pet, consider gifting the cost of adoption fees. This allows the recipient to choose a dog that matches their lifestyle, and you can still gift the joy of pet ownership.
  
  
• Provide a service: Gift certificates for training classes, professional grooming sessions, boarding, or trips to a pet store are a great way to support your loved one on their new journey to becoming a pet owner.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for dogs to end up in the shelter shortly after being gifted as a Holiday present. Bringing a puppy into a home requires patience, commitment, lifestyle changes, and attention; and is a very big decision that should be made by the whole household together. If you’ve been thinking about adopting a dog—great! But please do so when you’re ready.