Tips for giving a pet as a gift for the holidays

Thinking about giving someone a pet as a gift for the holidays? Wonderful — and absolutely something Best Friends Animal Society supports when it’s done thoughtfully. A new best friend can be the most meaningful gift of all, and pets people receive as gifts are no more likely to be returned than others. But before you wrap a bow around a carrier, a little preparation can help make sure this gift truly feels like magic for everyone involved.

It sounds simple, but it’s essential to ask. If you’re not completely sure whether your giftee wants a pet right now, have a conversation ahead of time. Talk through their hopes, their lifestyle, and what adding a pet to their daily routine might look like. Think of it as part of the experience. Planning together can build excitement and ensure the match is right.

Choosing a pet isn’t “one size fits all.” Consider your recipient and their lifestyle.

For the homebody who loves quiet evenings, a dog or cat who enjoys cozy companionship can be a good fit. Adult and senior pets are often already house-trained, calmer, and ready-made cuddle buddies.

For the outdoor adventurer or runner, an active dog who enjoys exercise and exploration may be the ideal partner.

[Life of adventure for a dog who couldn’t be left behind]

For busy families, be sure everyone is on board. A pair of kittens for kids to grow up with may sound fun, but parents may have other thoughts about timing, responsibilities, or travel schedules. However, adult cats can be great for families frequently on the go because they typically can handle short stretches alone more comfortably than dogs.

If there are young children, make sure the family is prepared to teach them gentle handling and help establish safe, positive interactions.

People often imagine exactly what their kitten or puppy will be like as an adult, but that’s not how animal personalities work.

“When you adopt a kitten or a young cat under 9 months old, there’s no way to know what their personality will turn out to be,” explains Samantha Bell, Best Friends cat expert. “Cats’ true, lifelong personalities don’t emerge until they’re older.”

[Sweet senior cat wins the heart of loving adopter]

And the same is true for puppies.

If your giftee has a specific personality in mind — playful, laid-back, snuggly, independent — an adult or senior animal is often the best choice.

“When you adopt a full-grown pet, you know who they are,” Samantha says. “You can choose one with a personality that’s the best match.”

Ask a few practical questions: Who will feed, walk, and clean up after the new pet? Does the home have a quiet space for a new dog or cat to settle in? How will they fit into travel, work, and daily routines? Is there a plan for introducing the new addition to other pets in the household?

A little clarity goes a long way toward a smooth transition. To help make the process even easier, check out this resource with tips for bringing home a new pet.

Once you’re ready to move forward, give your loved one a “starter kit” that covers the first couple of days: food, bowls, toys, bedding, and a leash and collar for dogs or a litter box and litter for cats. Or better yet, put one together with them. (Nobody wants to go searching for supplies on Christmas Day.)

Surprises can be sweet, and yes, those videos of people receiving pets are heart-melters. But consider the situation.

“Gifting a pet can be such a beautiful gesture and heartwarming moment,” Samantha says. “But if you’re not sure which cat or dog the recipient would choose, I love the idea of gifting a card that says, ‘Let’s go adopt a pet together, on me!’”

This keeps the joy of the surprise while ensuring your giftee gets to choose the pet they connect with most.

Shelters and rescue groups across the country are full of amazing pets, including puppies, kittens, seniors, purebreds, and every wonderful mix in between. At some groups (including some shelters), you’ll also find other species like bunnies, birds, guinea pigs, and more.

By adopting, you’re not just giving your loved one a new best friend. You’re also giving a homeless pet the best gift of all: a family.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.