Pets As Gifts: Do's & Don'ts

There are four more days ‘til Christmas and many of us may not have finished shopping or even selecting gifts.

Besides some clothing, there are some gifts that just need to be picked out by the owner.

"What you think?” mom, Kira Brinson asks her babies, Bella and Zoe about a cat.

The Brinson family went to the Humane Society of Savannah looking for a kitten for daughter, Bella, but the older "Kitty" as she's calling him is a much better fit.

"She has said for 2 years now that she wants a kitty. That has been her one gift that she has asked for from Santa, we're not really kitty people but we actually kind of like this one,” says Kira, who’s at the Humane Society with husband, Jared and girls, Bella and Zoe.

"It's not that it's a bad idea to give an animal as a gift, but it needs to be done with the person who's receiving the gift in mind. For a holiday it's just a very chaotic time of the year to bring a new animal into your home,” says Lynn Gensamer, the executive director of the Humane Society of Savannah.

It's not like "Lady and the Tramp" where you give the pet as a gift and eventually everything works out happily ever after. You have to make sure the pet fits the new owner. You can't return the pet if it's not the right size or color.

“With the involvement of the person getting the gift, it can be a wonderful thing, you pay for the adoption fee but you know we're about fit, we're about chemistry, not every animal is right for every individual or every family,” adds Gensamer.

But, Kitty is right for the Brinsons, making Bella and Zoe's Christmas a merry one.

Gensamer says when getting a new animal, you have to think about the time you'll have for the animal, who will be taking care of the new family member, and if the pet fits with your schedule.

For more information, click here or contact or visit the Humane Society of Savannah; 7215 Sallie Mood Drive
Savannah, GA 31406-3922 (912) 354-9515.

Additional information:
SAVANNAH, GA (December 18, 2009): Savannah-Chatham Animal Services encourages everyone who is considering acquiring a pet for their loved one or themselves this holiday season to understand that pets require a lot of attention, time, exercise, vet care, training, patience, and the ultimate nightmare potty training and don't forget chewing, and excessive barking.

The most important requirement for a new pet is lots of Love. Whether it is an adorable puppy, or a cuddly kitten, there are responsibilities that come with your "gift".

Companion animals, more specifically dogs and cats, are not objects; they are living, breathing beings that are capable of love and an undying loyalty. They are totally dependent on YOU for all their needs all the time.

If you have decided to get your child a puppy or kitten, remember that ultimately it is your commitment to be the "responsible" pet owner. Make sure your new animal's temperament is conducive to children.

Remember your "gift" comes with expenses; food, crate, toys and proper vet care that includes exams, vaccinations and of course the spaying or neutering of your animal.

Remember, your pet should be part of the family and these provisions are that of a responsible pet owner:

• Research the breed (temperament and size and age it will become)
• How old are your children? Little puppies and kittens scratch and bite playfully.
• Living arrangements (apartment or house, fenced in yard)
• All Cost involved
• Time for training, and exercise

If you have decided a pet will make the perfect gift, please visit Savannah-Chatham Animal Control's Shelter for homeless abandoned animals; Save a Forgotten Animals Life today and become their forever home!!