Happy Holidays!
As we enter this season of giving, it is best to keep in mind the level of commitment you and others have for specific gifts, such as a new puppy. While getting a puppy on Christmas may be fun and can bring people joy, once the holiday magic is gone, the responsibility may be too much for some people. Here are a few things to keep in mind while deciding if a puppy is the right gift choice for this holiday season.
Cost of Caring for a Dog
While gifting a dog to someone eliminates the initial cost, there are still many other costs that the new owner must think about. Food, vet appointments, toys, and other essential items start to add up. If you are gifting this pup to your family or kids, please note that the cost of a dog is around the cost of another child for 10-15 years. If you are unsure of the financial situation of the person you are gifting to, it is probably a good idea not to gift them something that requires a financial commitment.
Space
Another question to ask yourself is, “Does the person I’m gifting this puppy to have enough room for a dog?” While people may have room for a puppy, think about the size that the puppy will be when it is fully grown in the next few years. Will the person receiving this gift have a big enough area for a large dog or would a smaller dog be better? Does the person you are giving the puppy to have a yard or access to a field where they can take the dog? Is there a possibility that their living situation may change frequently? These are just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself before deciding on gifting a puppy.
Time Commitment
Taking care of a puppy takes up a large portion of someone’s day. Puppies have lots of energy which may require their owner to walk or play with them multiple times a day. Between feeding, walks, and playtime, expect to take a few hours each day to just focus on the pup. When making your decision, keep these questions in mind: Does the person you are gifting this dog to have a time-consuming job? If you are gifting the dog to your kid(s), do you have the time to remind them of their new responsibilities?
Gift List
While there are many more things you should take into consideration, the most important question is – Are you gifting the puppy to someone who wants one? While you might have time for a new puppy, not everyone does.
Dogs can be a wonderful new addition to a home. At the end of the day, if the person receiving the gift is happy, and the puppy is also happy and healthy, you made the best choice! As always, Paw Print Genetics is here to help you make sure that puppies are genetically healthy. Happy holidays from all of us here at Paw Print Genetics!