Pets as Gifts

Should I give an animal as a gift?

It’s a question we often hear at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA), and one we always value from the asker.  Inviting a new pet into your home is an important and life-changing decision, and we want to help you make sure you’re making the right choice — for everyone involved.

A new pet should never be a complete surprise to the recipient.  While many people may have the occasional passing interest in a new furry (or feathered or finned) friend, a pet owner needs to be able to take on the responsibility of an animal in their home — and have expressed an interest in doing so.  They should meet the animal coming into their life before adoption, to make sure that the match is right for both person and animal, and they should feel that they know enough about the animal and have the ability to ask additional questions.

But that doesn’t mean that a pet can’t be a gift, especially around various holidays.  Studies conducted by the ASPCA show that pets given as gifts are not loved any less than those not received as gifts, and in fact, are less likely to be relinquished.

So what if you are interested in giving a pet as a gift?  Have the intended recipient come and meet the potential pet at the AWLA and ask any questions they might have to make sure the match is right.  Whether you adopt the pet as a gift that day, or put a hold for future adoption, your new best friend is just as likely (and maybe even moreso) to be a welcome addition because your recipient met them first.

Adopting a gift for your child/ren?  It’s important to make sure they are old enough to accept responsibility for caring and living with a pet, but you can still surprise them when the time comes.  Bring your child/ren to the AWLA “to see the dogs/cats” and tell our staff separately that you are interested in adopting. If you see the pet who might be right for everyone, we can give you the chance to meet them, and you can choose to put a hold and adopt them at a later time to maintain the “surprise”.

And if there are any questions about your new pet after the time of gifting, we’re here to help.  Whether you’re wondering about personality, diet or behavioral questions, just reach out, and we will answer what we can.

Questions about bringing a new pet into your home as a gift?  Just ask us! Every family and every animal are different, and we want to do what works best for everyone.  While we may speak with you and find that the gift of a pet is not right at this time, we’re happy to work with you to see what will.  Our goal is to work with you now to set everyone up for success at the time of adoption and in the future!

Please note that animals may only be adopted by adults 18 years and older.  Adopters must be able to bring new pets into the household with permission of household owner/renter.  Standard adoption policies and procedures still apply when adopting a pet as a gift. The AWLA works hard to create the best matches we can for adopters, but we reserve the right to withhold adoptions if a situation appears to be unsafe or harmful to anyone involved.