Christmas is here, and with it, the time of year when we believe our dreams can come true. Many people venture to ask for dogs and cats to start the next year's resolutions in good company, but is it a good idea to give pets as Christmas gifts? Abandonment rates soared last Christmas; more than 300,000 pets ended up on the street, according to data from the Affinity Foundation. Many people who ask Santa Claus or the Three Wise Men for pets are not aware of the responsibility they entail, and therefore more than 30% of pets given as Christmas gifts are victims of abandonment.
The decision to have an ARISTODOG or an ARISTOCAT must be carefully considered; we must not only be clear about the "I want," but also the "I can." Pets are not toys that we can get rid of if we suddenly run out of time or simply lose interest.
But then, how can we know if giving a pet as a gift is a good idea? We must be clear that:
- The person we give the pet to must truly want it. Our purpose cannot simply be to surprise them with an unimaginable gift, because precisely if they haven't considered it, it's probably because they are not willing or able to take care of it.
- How much will it impact their finances? An ARISTODOG or ARISTOCAT, among other things, needs medical care and food, just like a human. Ensuring that the person we want to give it to can and wants to take care of it is essential.
- It is essential that they can dedicate time to it. A pet requires daily attention; to walk it, bathe it, feed it, train it... Not suitable for people with endless work schedules or a bustling social life.
- We must not only consider the circumstances surrounding the individual in question, but also those of the people who live with them. Is there anyone allergic? Are their cohabitants equally excited about this idea? Could it be a reason for discussion among them?
- Where do they live? Some people have a garden larger than their house, and some live in an apartment in the city center without nearby parks. It is clear where a pet can be happier. Dogs need to run and get fresh air, even more than humans.
- The fixation some children have on pets is undeniable. When giving pets to young children, it must be considered that, after all, taking responsibility for an ARISTOPET requires a certain maturity that they may not have yet reached. You should consider their parents' circumstances more than theirs, as they will ultimately be the most responsible.
In short, if you are going to give pets as Christmas gifts, weigh your decision carefully before doing so. And if you want to give something to someone who already has a pet but you're not sure what... Visit ARISTOSHOP!