Animals Matter: Please don t give pets as surprise gifts
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Unless you have the recipient’s buy-in about a Christmas pet and they know what to expect in terms of care costs, please think of another gift.kajakiki /Getty Images
While I normally don’t mind if people give pets as gifts if they are parents giving to children or adult children giving to parents or spouses or partners giving to each other (or some other mutually consenting relationship), I often caution against people giving pets as gifts in general.
Unless you know someone really well and discussed the potential gift idea in advance, not everyone is ready for the surprise or the financial obligation that comes with having a pet. That gift might even be less welcome during the pandemic.
By Kiana Freeman and Nada J. Ruddock •
Published December 14, 2020 •
Updated on December 14, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Humane Society of North Texas
Join NBC 5 and enjoy the gift of giving by making a contribution to our North Texas animal shelters through the Comfort and Joy Donation Drive. Our local participating animal shelters really need a helping hand, especially during this holiday season.
The Comfort and Joy Donation Drive will be held now – January 2. Animal shelters are requesting clean blankets, treats, toys and canned food items for animals who need extra nutrition. Donations can be made to any participating animal shelter below. Specific instructions on how to make your donation and/or to drop off your donation can be found on the animal shelters’ websites below.