Please Think Carefully Before Giving a Pet as a Christmas Gift

The holidays are a season of joy, generosity, and meaningful gifts. For some families, surprising a loved one with a puppy or kitten at Christmas sounds like the perfect present. At Animal Hospital of New Albany, we love welcoming new pets—but we also believe it’s important to pause and think carefully before giving a pet as a holiday gift.

As a trusted veterinary clinic in New Albany, Ohio, we see firsthand how thoughtful planning leads to healthier, happier pets and families.

A Pet Is a Lifetime Commitment, Not a Temporary Gift

Dogs and cats can live 10 to 20 years or longer. Giving a pet means committing to years of:

Daily care and attention

Training and socialization

Routine veterinary checkups

Preventive care and emergency medical needs

What begins as a joyful Christmas surprise can become overwhelming if the recipient isn’t fully prepared for the long-term responsibility. Even small mammals like gerbils and rabbits can live for a long time and need specific foods, habitats and veterinary care. A pet should be chosen intentionally, not impulsively.

Not Every Lifestyle Is Ready for a Pet

Before welcoming a new pet, it’s important to consider:

Work schedules and travel

Housing rules or landlord restrictions

Financial readiness for veterinary care

Allergies or existing pets in the home

Surprising someone with a pet removes their ability to choose the right type of animal for their lifestyle. As a New Albany veterinary hospital, we encourage families to have these conversations before making such an important decision.

The Holiday Season Can Be Stressful for Pets

Christmas is a busy and noisy time filled with guests, decorations, schedule changes, and travel. New pets thrive on routine and calm environments. Bringing a pet home during the holidays can increase stress and anxiety, sometimes leading to behavior issues that could have been avoided with better timing.

From a veterinary perspective, calmer introductions often lead to better long-term outcomes.

Veterinary Care Is an Ongoing Responsibility

New pets need early veterinary care, including:

Vaccinations

Parasite prevention

Spay or neuter planning

Wellness exams

Unexpected illnesses or emergencies can also happen. Planning for veterinary expenses is a critical part of responsible pet ownership. At Animal Hospital of New Albany, we believe every pet deserves consistent, high-quality veterinary care throughout their life.

Gift Pets Are More Likely to Be Rehomed

Pets given as surprise gifts are statistically more likely to be surrendered or rehomed later—not due to lack of love, but because the decision wasn’t fully planned. Rehoming can be emotionally and physically stressful for pets, and it’s something our team hopes to help prevent through education and thoughtful guidance.

A Better Christmas Idea: Give the Promise, Not the Pet

If you believe a loved one is ready for a pet, consider alternatives that allow them to be part of the decision:

A card offering to pay adoption fees

Pet supplies wrapped with a promise to choose together

A donation to a local rescue or shelter

A family discussion after the holidays

This approach leads to better matches, smoother transitions, and healthier lifelong bonds.

Supporting New Albany Pets and Families

At Animal Hospital of New Albany, our goal is to support pets and the people who love them at every stage of life. Thoughtful decisions—especially during the holidays—help ensure pets start their lives in stable, loving homes.

If you’re considering adding a pet to your family or have questions about first-year care, vaccinations, or new pet wellness exams, our New Albany, Ohio veterinary team is here to help. Call us at 614-855-9643 or email at ahna3033@gmail.com.

Wishing you and your pets a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season.