(KGAN) — This holiday season, veterinarians and shelters are recommending you don't gift pets like cats and dogs as presents.
Sometimes giving pets as a gift might not be the greatest option, then you don't have the opportunity to make sure that everyone in the home is a good fit with that pet, and if that pet's gonna be a good fit for you,” said Hannah McFarlane at Cedar Valley Humane Society.
Associate Clinical Professor at Iowa State University April Blong said life circumstances may become a barrier to caring for a furry friend.
They might not be prepared for it, their style of life may not allow for it. They may not have the financial resources to care for it,” Blong said. “It does change how you can live your life, what you can do, where you could go.
McFarlane said there are other options available for those wanting to gift something animal-related.
“We do gift certificates here, so then that person can definitely come in and you know, meet the pet that they're wanting to add to their home.”
She also recommends having everyone in the home visit the pet for adoption.
Ultimately, Blong said to research things like breed and the source of the animal to ensure they're the right fit.
For example, she said large, active dogs may not be comfortable in a small apartment.
We want these animals to come into our lives and fit within them very well, but we don't always consider what is natural or normal for them, and how that jives with what we want,” Blong said.
This important decision can last years into the future.
“We've seen cats at 20-plus years, and we've seen dogs close to that as well,” McFarlane said.
Blong also said investing in pet insurance early on in a pet's life can help out with any unexpected costs down the road.
