Surprise!

 For the holidays it can be tempting to give a cute, cuddly pet as a gift. Yet along with the precious purr or the fluffy tail that never stops wagging, there comes a commitment to another life for the next 10, 15, even 20 years!
No one wants to give an unwanted gift — especially a vulnerable one that lives and breathes. If you’re thinking about giving a pet as a gift, keep these tips in mind to help you make sure that the gift is actually a good idea.
Always ask! Pets are a wonderful addition to life, yet not everyone has the time, energy, money, or interest in having a pet. That’s why always asking the receiver if they want a pet is imperative. A surprise may feel more festive, but in the long run everyone will be happier if you ask up front, including the pet.
Pay adoption fee: Once you know your recipient wants a pet, tell them you’ll pay the shelter’s adoption fees for them in advance. If ultimately they decide against adopting a pet, you’ll have made a much-needed donation to a shelter in their name, which is a wonderful gift for any pet lover! And remember that shelters are a great resource, even if your recipient is keen on a pedigreed pet. Shelters and rescues are full of purebreds and “designer dogs”.
Keep it family: Sometimes a friend might accept a pet as a gift because they just don’t know how to say no. That’s one reason why we insist giving pets as gifts only to your immediate family – husband, wife, or kids, is a good idea. When you get a pet, it is like having a child. There are a lot of financial, emotional, and time concerns. I recommend adopters take a “pupternity leave” so they have time to help the pet adjust, follow up on any trips for vaccinations, potty train, etc. The unconditional love you receive from a pet is amazing, but it does come with work. And vet bills. And walks. And flea medication. And unintended messes… So be 100 percent sure!
Visit Shelter Hope Pet Shop Santa Clarita inside Westfield Valencia Town Center Mall, next to Red Robin and the carousel. View adoptable pets online www.shelterhopepetshop.org or www.facebook.com/shps.