Should You Give Pets as Holiday Gifts?
Updated January 2025
The holidays are here, and with all the joy and celebration, you may be thinking about surprising a loved one with the ultimate gift—a new furry family member. Countless movies show children opening a box to reveal a puppy or kitten with a perfect red bow, but real life is a lot more complicated. Giving a pet as a holiday gift may feel magical in the moment, yet it often creates stress for both the animal and your family.
Before you bring home a four-legged surprise, here are important reasons to think twice—and a few meaningful alternatives.
1. The Holidays Are Already Stressful
Holiday schedules are chaotic: guests, cooking, travel, noise, decorations, and constant activity. A new pet dropped into the middle of this will feel overwhelmed, frightened, and stressed. They need calm, consistency, and routine—none of which exist in late December.
2. Holiday Décor Can Be Dangerous
Tinsel, ornaments, ribbons, tree needles, candles, poinsettias, and electrical cords all pose risks to curious puppies and kittens. Even water in the Christmas tree stand can be harmful if they drink it. Bringing home a new pet during peak décor season can add preventable hazards.
3. Kids Often View Pets as Toys
Children may unintentionally frighten, mishandle, or overexcite a new pet simply because they don’t understand boundaries yet. Until pets and children develop mutual trust and respect, pets need supervision—not exactly easy during holiday madness.
4. Responsibility Is Bigger Than It Seems
Feeding, walking, grooming, cleaning up accidents, and training all require daily commitment. Kids may say they’re ready, but most don’t fully grasp how much work a new pet requires. If the adults aren’t ready either, the responsibility quickly becomes overwhelming.
5. Chemistry Counts
The bond between a pet and its family is special—and should develop naturally. Choosing the right pet requires interaction, patience, and time. Adopting on impulse means skipping the step where you see how a pet responds to each family member.
A story from one of our homeowners illustrates this perfectly: their daughter bonded instantly with a calm shelter cat who approached her gently and chose her first. That connection can’t be boxed up and placed under a tree.
6. If You Still Want to Give a Pet…
Consider a thoughtful alternative: a “pet gift certificate.” This could include bowls, a leash, toys, or even covering the adoption fee. After the holidays, the family can visit a shelter together, meet potential pets, and choose a companion who truly fits.
Bottom Line
A new pet is a wonderful addition to a family—just not as a holiday surprise. Waiting until after the celebrations ensures your home is calm, safe, and ready for a new companion. It also gives your family the chance to make a thoughtful, loving choice together.
