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Monday, December 15, 2003

Pets as presents a poor idea

By JEANNINE GAGE | News-Journal Staff Writer

Picture this: an adorable puppy with a big red bow tied around his neck peeks out of a wrapped box.

Everyone says "awww," and a child's eyes light up.

It's a heartwarming holiday moment.

What comes next, however, may not be so heartwarming. The puppy, as puppies do, relieves himself on the carpet, chews on the decorations, nips Aunt Millie, and eats half the holiday roast.

Then everyone says, "Why were we given this puppy?" Next comes a trip to the local humane society to get rid of the no-longer-precious pet.

"It's such a bad idea to give pets as gifts," said Michelle Pari, community relations director for the Halifax Humane Society. "It's a nice thought, but the reality of it is not so good."

Pari said there are two times during the year when there is an increase in animals brought to the humane society: kitten season, during the summer months; and immediately following the winter holidays.

"Most of those animals that come in after the holidays will be labeled with an explanation that says 'given as gift,' " Pari said.

And it's not just dogs and cats. Some people may think a bird or hamster or even a fish is OK to give while a cat or dog is not. "I always tell people exactly what kind of care each animal takes," said Bette Ewen, owner of the Pet Stop in DeLand. Ewen said she doesn't get too many after-holiday returns because of her ability to play matchmaker.

"I really try to match people with pets," Ewen said. "There have been times I wouldn't sell a certain animal to someone."

If someone comes in to buy a gift, Ewen said she asks as many questions as possible.

Like Ewen, others in the pet business said they depart from the usual "sell, sell, sell" mentality of the holiday season when it comes to pet purchases.

"We do try to discourage people from buying a pet for someone else," said Steve Feinberg, vice president of marketing and merchandise for Pet Supermarket, a 96-store chain that sells small animals.

Feinberg said it's not a good idea to get a pet even for yourself this time of year.

"There's just too much going on. Everyone's concentrating on the new toys or new TV," he said. "The animal is overwhelmed or ignored."

Glendolyn Lewis, who was recently visiting Pet Supermarket in Deltona with her sister, said her house is like Grand Central Station during the holidays.

"I've got family in and out, there's food out all the time," Lewis said. "I don't want a dog underfoot while everything's so hectic."

Because of the responsibility and cost, getting a pet should be a well-thought out family decision, Lewis said.

"To surprise me with a pet would not be good," she said. "Diamonds, yes; pets, no."

Deborah Sindell, of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said while her organization does not officially discourage giving pets as gifts, it does urge care when doing so.

"In our experience, we have found if the person giving the gift really knows what the other person wants, there may actually be a better chance of them keeping the pet because of a sentimental attachment," Sindell said.

Pet experts suggest buying a pet store gift certificate instead. That way, the gift receiver can choose for themselves -- after the holidays when things have calmed down.

Feinberg, of Pet Supermarket, said his company came up with a hamster gift card specifically for this reason.

While the humane society does adopt out pets this time of year, Pari said, the same rules that apply any other time of the year are intact. That means the person with whom the animal will live must come down to meet the animal. The humane society also offers gift certificates.

"We don't want to scare people off from coming down here this time of year," Pari said. "If they don't, they'll end up at a breeder or pet store, which just encourages breeders to breed more and we don't need more unwanted animals."

Did You Know: Pets as gifts?

Before buying a pet as a gift, consider this advice from Kate Thomas of the Halifax Humane Society:

– You're not just giving a cute animal; you're giving what could be a 15-20 year commitment.

– You're giving a gift that may cost thousands of dollars in expenses over a pet's life.

– Cat, dog, big, small, long, hair, short hair - the owner should have the choice.

– There are hazards in the house at the holidays - one strand of tinsel could kill a puppy if swallowed, and with lots of people around and rich foods on the table, it's dangerous for the pet.

Some Alternatives...

– Get a gift certificate. Both pet stores and the Humane Society offer gift certificates for the cost of a pet.

– Make your own gift personal certificate promising to take the person out after the holidays to choose a new pet.

– Give books on different breeds of the animal in which the person is interested. This will help the owner make an educated choice after the holidays.

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