Don't buy pet's as presents.

I apologize as I know my pet blog has been lacking recently. I have a ton of topics I want to write about, it's just I am also focusing on growing my personal blog, Brown Eyed Bell(e) as well.

I read an article today that struck me because I've seen it happen first hand. I felt it'd be super important to blog about as Christmas is right around the corner. Here is what tends to happen around the holidays:

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Kids want a pet for Christmas. Parents want to make their kids happy. Kid loses interest quickly in the new pet. Parents realize they weren't ready for a pet. Pet ends up homeless

Kids want a pet for Christmas. Parents want to make their kids happy. Parents soon realize the pet costs more than just the initial payment as now they have vet bills, food bills, grooming bills, etc. Parents don't have the extra money to shell out. Pet ends up homeless.


Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying never to buy a pet during the holidays. After all, I bought Tanner & Paris Christmas 2005. BUT, they were a gift for my Dad who KNEW I was purchasing them, and we'd put down our dog of 12 years a few months before and were ready for a new dog. What I am saying is make sure you are truly ready for the pet. Purchasing a new pet should be a life long commitment. Every pet deserves a furever home and not to be treated like a disposable piece of property that you can get rid of when it's not convenient for you.

It's a sad, sad cycle. Yet it happens all the time. If you are thinking about a new pet this season, please consider the following which is an estimated cost of what the new pet could cost just in the first year.

* Basic Equipment and Supplies ($400 annually)
-- doggy bed
-- pet carrier
-- collar & leash
-- food and water bowls
-- dog food

* Health related needs
-- shots, puppy plans can range from $50-$150
-- flea and tick treatments (about $250 annually)
-- sterilization. Spayed or Neutered. $100-$200
-- Medical costs can vary greatly

* Training Requirements
-- I've never paid for training for my dogs, but many choose to. And it can be costly. $480 annually.

* Misc. Puppy Necessities
-- grooming
-- boarding or a pet sitter if you go on vacation
-- toys
-- doggy clothing
-- dental care stuff (yes, dogs can get periodontal disease as well, and like humans, it can take years off their lives)

Granted, each individual owner may or may not provide all of the above for their dogs, BUT, they are all potential costs. It's expected a new dog can cost anywhere from $1000-$2000 during the 1st year.

If you aren't prepared for the above, I'd suggest waiting to add a pet to your family!

Also, if you are absolutely set on giving a pet as a gift, follow these tips:

• Be sure it's not a complete surprise. Check with the future owner first to be sure they want the breed and have the willingness, resources and schedule to care for the animal.
• Avoid buying a pet from a commercial pet store, many of which purchase puppies or kittens from high-volume mills where the animals' health and safety may be at risk. Instead, adopt from an animal shelter or rescue group or purchase from a responsible breeder that you research carefully first.
• Prior to giving the pet as a gift, be sure it is evaluated by a vet and appropriately vaccinated and dewormed. Having a microchip installed is also highly recommended.
• Don't "wrap up'' a new dog, cat or other pet in a box, ribbons, bows or other paraphernalia, which can be dangerous to the animal.

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