Can't think of the perfect gift for your animal-loving friend or family member? How about a new cat or dog? How about, no way! Pets should be chosen by the recipient, when they are ready to adopt one. Dogs and cats are not objects that can be gift-wrapped, and handed over to someone.
Giving a dog or cat to a child in the same manner you would give a book or a doll can give them the wrong idea about that animal's worth. While other gifts may be returned or exchanged if they are not right, a pet is not a toy, not an article of clothing or decorative object. Toys are often forgotten in the weeks after the holiday, things are misplaced. It's fine to buy a dog or cat for your child, but make it a family event, and do not tell the child it is a "gift".
Can't think of the perfect gift for your animal-loving friend or family member? How about a new cat or dog? How about, no way!
The person you want to give an animal to has to be ready to make a commitment to the care of that animal. The potential new owner should be able to choose the animal that they are going to commit themselves to. An animal is a living, feeling creature, and cannot be abandoned when one gets bored of it. All too often the attraction fades as the adorable puppy or kitten grows into an adult animal.
Rather than purchase the animal outright, why not come up with a creative way to help the person with the choice and/or purchase of his new pet? For example, you can give any of the necessary and useful accessories and gear that the new pet owner will need.