We’ve all seen those idyllic holiday movies with people waking up on Christmas morning and opening a box with a puppy inside. Everybody is thrilled about having a new puppy on Christmas morning! What could be better? This article will discuss some key myths and the reality of giving or receiving a puppy as a holiday present.
Myth Vs. Reality: Animal Shelters Experience a Peak in Surrender Rates after the Holiday Season
There has been a long-held belief that pets given as gifts during the holiday season are surrendered to Animal Shelters shortly after the holiday season. In reviewing the data from the Shelter Animals Count dashboard (a neutral, independent non-profit organization in the US), we can see that there is no material uptick in the intake rate of dogs in US shelters immediately following the holiday season. The data shows that year over year; the increase occurs during the spring and summer months when there are higher risks of dogs getting loose. In addition, the data also shows a reasonably consistent rate of dog intake as the result of surrenders, around 30-35%.
According to the Humane Canada Animal Statistics reports, from 2018 to 2020, the percentage of dogs surrendered to animal shelters in Canada was 34-35%. Since 2011, there has been a decline in the rate of dog intakes in Canadian shelters overall, with 2020 seeing a decrease in dog intakes by 28% (primarily due to the pandemic). Although detailed data is not readily available from the UK, the RSPCA of England has shared similar sentiments.
Myth Vs. Reality: Pets Given as Gifts are Surrendered More often to Animal Shelters
Another long-held belief is that pets given as gifts are surrendered to shelters more often than those not. The ASPCA conducted a study in 2013 that busts this myth. The study found:
- 96% of individuals who were given their pet as a gift stated that the way they got their pet either had no impact on or increased their attachment to their pet, and
- 86% of these pets stayed with the family until the pets passed away, which is the same as the rate for pets acquired in other ways or at different times of the year
In another study by the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, ‘Unwanted gift’ accounted for only 0.3% of dog surrenders. In that study, the top 3 reasons for dog surrenders were ‘lack of time for the dog,’ ‘owner’s personal problems,’ and ‘allergies.’
Aligning with this study’s findings regarding “owner’s personal problems” as a reason for dog surrenders, the RSPCA of England is now starting to cite affordability as a reason for pet surrender in that country.
Myth Vs. Reality: Getting a Pet as a Gift for the Holidays is Magical
I would argue that any time you add a pet to your family, it’s a magical time. That being said, during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, adding a new pet to the mix may not result in the magic that Hollywood might make us believe. In reality, the holiday season can be very hectic or chaotic in many households. With people coming and going and excitement levels reaching all-time highs – you’re welcoming a puppy into your home when the environment is not ideal for a new pet. As a result, you may end up with a puppy who feels scared, is at risk of getting sick or injured (toys and wrapping paper can all be choking hazards), or both.
Alternatively, you can give a promissory gift, like a toy puppy, to get your new addition once you return to your usual routine.
Critical Steps Before Giving or Asking for a Pet
The most important part of this whole equation is readiness! As I’ve written in the 3 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog post, having a dog is a huge responsibility. You or the person you give the dog to must be ready to take on the emotional, financial, and physical responsibilities of owning a dog.
As a side note, it is winter during the holiday season in the Northern Hemisphere. In Canada, that means we are heading into snowy and cold weather. Having a new puppy means many trips outside, so if running out with your puppy in a snowstorm sounds overwhelming, think about getting a puppy in the spring or summer. On the other hand, consider adopting an adult dog requiring fewer trips outside.
Finally, visit this site’s dog breed selector quiz to determine the best dog breed for you and your family. I’ve also written a blog post on this tool, which you can find here.
Assuming you decide to get a puppy before the holiday season, congratulations! I hope that they bring you as much joy as my puppy has brought me. I can’t wait to share in your journey!
