Pets for Christmas?

Knowing Your Family's Level of Commitment is Key

By Dr. Tim Hunt, DVM

Giving kids pets for Christmas can be a huge mistake if it is done as an impulse buy. Pet ownership for kids, however, can be a tremendously rewarding experience, if parents do their homework.

Understanding a Pet Owner's Commitment

The most important consideration is to understand the true amount of time you and your family have to be devoted to taking care of any pet.

Assessing Your Child’s Readiness

Before giving your child a pet as a Christmas gift, you should also determine if your kid is old enough, enthused enough, and willing to devote the time and energy needed to care for a pet.

Additionally, assess how much time you as a parent can devote. Children rarely take care of pets without parental help, nor should they have to.

Once you know the answers to these questions, then you can look further at what type of pet might be most appropriate for your child and family.

An active puppy makes a great pet if you have all the time in the world, or if your family has several kids plus a parent willing to help.

Choosing the Right Pet

If you constantly juggle busy schedules, a kitten, fish, small rodent, or rat may be a better choice.

Take the time to educate yourself on the animal and its needs, including how long it will live. Fish, small rodents; or even larger ones, such as rats and guinea pigs, are all reasonable choices for a first pet. Individuals who are willing to make a longer-term commitment, can consider kittens or puppies.

If you are giving your child a small animal, you can put the animal in a cage (its home) and wrap a ribbon around it. If you put it in a box, remember to poke plenty of air holes in the package. Don't put the animal in the box until the last minute before presenting it to the child.

Preparing the Perfect Christmas Gift Presentation

Whether your family chooses a hamster or a dog, be prepared to care for your pet in sickness and in health. Your attitude toward the animal will influence how your child treats animals for life.

If a parent views an animal as disposable, the kid will have the same mindset.

Modeling Compassionate Pet Care

Model compassion instead. Show your child that a pet is a living being that deserves care and attention. If children are involved in the daily care of animals, it can help to make them more compassionate later in life.

About Dr. Tim

Dr. Tim Hunt has practiced veterinary medicine for 22 years and raced sled dogs for 17 years. He created Dr. Tim's Premium All-Natural Pet Food to replicate the natural, wild diet of dogs and cats.

Dr. Tim is recognized as an expert on all aspects of pet health and a staunch advocate for the welfare of all animals. He and his wife Mary live on 50 acres in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with four house cats, two house dogs and 40 outdoor dogs.

Learn more at https://drtims.com/.

Alternatively, feel free to contact Dr. Tim by sending an email to drtim@drtims.com.