Considering gifting a pet? Think twice.

With the holiday season in full swing, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) released an announcement with considerations to keep in mind for keeping pets safe this season. One key reminder: Think carefully before giving a pet as a gift.

Pets involve significant responsibility and ongoing investment, including time, planning, financial resources, and emotional commitment, the AVMA said in its announcement. With this in mind, the organization is advising against “surprising someone with a live animal.”

“Bringing a pet into someone's life is a decision that should never be made impulsively, and never without the foreknowledge of the recipient," Michael Bailey, DVM, DACVR, AAAS, president of the AVMA, said in the organization’s announcement.1 "Pets can bring immense joy, but they also require daily care, training, veterinary visits, and love for many years.”

Anyone thinking about gifting a pet to someone should consider the following:

• Whether the recipient has the space for the pet, as different species and breeds have different sizes and space requirements.2
• Whether the recipient has the time, experience, and financial resources to train, socialize, and meet the behavioral needs of the pet, especially if the pet is young.2
• Who will be the primary caregiver for the pet, and whether that person will realistically be able to manage daily care once the novelty of the pet wears off.
• Whether the caregiver will be able to manage the financial cost of the pet, including veterinary care, food, grooming, toys, supplies, pet sitting, and more. With certain breeds being more prone to developing medical issues and having special needs, the prospective owner of the pet should be financially equipped and willing to pay for these expenses.2

Heather Berst, MA, VMD, cross brand medical lead with Zoetis, said giving pets as spontaneous gifts can lead to the animal being surrendered to a shelter once the gift recipient is no longer able to manage the cost of care or the excitement of the new pet wears off.2

“This severely affects the pet’s quality of life and long-term behavior and adds to the overwhelming number of animals already in need of homes,” Berst wrote in an article published by Zoetis.2

If not a pet, then what?

Instead of gifting a pet, Bailey suggests gifting a collar, toy, or gift certificate for a future pet, while still including the other person in the pet adoption process when the time is right for them.1 Other gift ideas can include the following:

• A leash with a note offering to take the recipient to a shelter or reputable breeder
• Books on pet care or breed characteristics
• A donation to a local animal shelter under the recipient’s name
• A pet matching service with a certified dog or cat trainer
• Volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue with the recipient
• Considering a foster arrangement first, when the potential gift is for a spouse or the giver’s children

The safest way to welcome a new pet is through careful planning and communication. As the gift-giving season approaches, recognizing the importance of involving future caregivers in the decision is essential. Instead of gifting a pet, alternative gifts can be considered, with the animal’s long-term well-being remaining at the forefront.

“Ultimately, pets are not gifts that should be given lightly. They are living beings that require love, time, and resources,” Berst said.2

References

1. Keep pets safe and happy this holiday season: tips from the AVMA. News release. AVMA. December 10, 2025. Accessed December 11, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/keep-pets-safe-and-happy-holiday-season-tips-avma
2. Berst H. Giving pets as gifts—important considerations. Zoetis. Accessed December 11, 2025. https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/giving-pets-as-gifts