Are pets good gifts?

Nope, unless the recipient is a matured, responsible & commited person who understands the responsibility of having pets.

First, we never recommend giving an unexpected living gift. Pets are not toys, which you can dump after you get bored to it. It's a LIFE. Your intensions may be good but I’ve seen more disasters than I care to tell. People sometimes make the mistake of providing a pet to ease the loneliness of a friend, but all too often these animals end up in a shelter after a few months.

Here are a few reasons pets never make good surprises.

* You can't be sure that the recipient wants to take on the responsibility of a pet, including providing medical care for the next 10 to 20 years.
* A person should be able to choose his or her own pet companion.
* Never give a cat or a dog to replace one that just died. Some people need time to mourn their loss before they can welcome a new animal into their lives.

Also, the holidays are a busy time. Pets need love, care, and a routine. Sometimes after the holidays is a much better time to give or get a pet.

This is a good example, "I'm looking for a dog to adopt.. (for who?) for my nephew.. (how old is he?) he's 3 years old.. (how can a 3-year-old take care of a dog?) oh.. the maid can take care of him (you might as well buy him a toy isn't it?)"

DO not get a pet for someone whom you already know that he/she can't take care of the animal. The animal will suffer, ultimately.