If you're thinking about surprising someone with a pet as a gift, the SPCA of Northern Nevada has some suggestions that you might want to follow.
People love gifts. And they love pets. But should you buy a pet as a gift? The SPCA of Northern Nevada says that before you do, you should do your homework on the owner and the pet. “What we're trying to do is make long lasting relationships between people and pets,” said SPCA Of Northern Nevada Executive Director Jill Vacchina-Dobbs.
The SPCA recommends that you should only give a furry little friend to someone who has had a long term interest in owning that type of pet. You should also make sure they can afford pet costs and can handle the responsibility of taking care of it. “If they're at work for long periods of time and they travel on the weekends, it might come out that a cat is a better fit for their lifestyle,” said Vacchina-Dobbs.
Matching the lifestyle and personality of an owner and a pet is vital to creating a personal connection. That’s why the SPCA has prospective owners fill out a questionnaire. “Sometimes they fall in love with what a pet looks like on our website. But the personality isn't a match for the person's lifestyle and expectation. And so it’s really best to come in yourself and meet the animal,” said Vacchina-Dobbs.
People often think a little puppy, means little care. The SPCA says that isn't so. “They have to train it. That’s one of the most important things you can do with a puppy or with a dog of any age. And maybe they decide that isn't for them. But maybe there is an elderly dog they would rather bring home. And so it’s that its unexpected match. That they never would have been aware of if they hadn't come into our facilities,” said Vacchina-Dobbs.
Having a match is vital, after all no one really likes returning a gift, especially when it’s a pet. “It can start to really wear on their spirits when that happens,” said Vacchina-Dobbs.
The Nevada Humane Society also has plans of its own for the holiday. On top of what the SPCA is doing, the Nevada Humane Society is doing pet deliveries on Christmas Day. So if you wanted to bring your loved one down there to meet the animal, and then surprise them on Christmas that is possible. But again, please make sure they are ready to take care of that animal. December 24th is the last day to arrange with the Nevada Humane Society for the pet deliveries.
