Local shelter provides insight on gifting pets for the holidays

DELMARVA – A new pet might seem like a cute gift to put under your tree, especially if you have kids.

Shelter experts say it’s not always a bad idea, but it’s something that should not be done impulsively. Sara Smith with the Brandywine Valley SPCAs says pets should not be given to someone as a surprise, as you want to be sure the pet is going to fit into their new home before adopting.

“You really wanna think about you know, what fits into their lifestyle and if this is what they’re looking for, if this is something they’re asking for, if this is something they’ve been thinking about doing.”

Smith adds that sometimes the holidays are a great time to adopt, as many people have time off work and can spend quality time with their new pup or kitty. As with any time of year, you should consider what’s best for your family, and if you feel the holidays are too busy, Smith says its best to wait until the time is right. You should also always think about who is going to be taking care of the pet.

“I think that sometimes parents will gift their kids a new animal and you know it’s the parents who are really gonna be taking care of that new pet.”

After thinking about the time and responsibilities a new pet brings, if you decide you want to give a puppy or kitty as a gift, Smith strongly suggests making it a family affair. Gifting a collar or a leash and then taking the entire family to the shelter to pick out your new pet together, she says is a great experience, and it helps everyone get involved in picking out the perfect furry companion.

If you’re not ready to adopt, the Brandywine Valley SPCA has several options. They offer fostering opportunities, as well as a Shelter Skip Day option, where you can take a pet out of the shelter for the day or even overnight. More on these options can be found here.