Adopting an animal can be one of the most joyous gifts. However, bringing a pet into your life is a great responsibility. That’s why you should never gift an animal to another person without knowing for sure that they want a pet and can handle the demands of owning one. If you’re thinking about gifting a pet to someone this holiday season, here are a few aspects to consider before going through with the adoption.

3 Tips for Gifting Animals  

1. Make Sure They Have the Right Resources

Avoid impulse adoptions and make sure the intended recipient is in a good place to take care of an animal. Individuals who are ready have a comfortable home environment, ample financial resources, and a schedule that allows them to spend quality time with the pet every day. If your recipient meets these criteria, they’ll also need all the right supplies to take care of the animal, including food, bedding, collars, leashes, grooming products, and litter boxes.

2. Avoid Surprises

Even if the person you want to give a pet to is ready and willing for the commitment, don’t show up on their doorstep with the animal. Rather than thrusting your loved one into a rushed situation, purchase a certificate from a local pet rescue facility that covers all adoption fees. This gift still offers the element of surprise while allowing your loved one to select and welcome their new companion at their own pace.

3. Stay Involved

In most cases, it’s only appropriate to gift a pet to those who are close to you, such as immediate family, children, and partners. Whatever your relationship, you should also be ready to help with animal care if your recipient isn’t entirely up to the task. For instance, if you give an animal to your child or partner, be prepared to help with feeding, walking, and trips to the veterinarian.

Whether you’ve adopted a pet for yourself or someone close to you, you’ll need to set the animal up with a qualified veterinarian. If you’re a resident of Honolulu, HI, Ohana Veterinary Hospital is your resource for everything from pet vaccines and routine health exams to emergency care. They’ve taken care of local animals since 1996. To learn more about their specialty services like behavioral and nutritional counseling, visit the animal hospital online. Call (808) 845-1762 to make an appointment today.