Pets are for life, not just a Christmas gift: advice from a vet

With Christmas approaching, we’re sharing guidance to help people think very carefully before bringing a new pet home for the festive season. While puppies and kittens can seem like the perfect gift, the long-term commitment, costs, and training needs often become clearer once the holidays are over.

Ruth Cawston, MA VetMB CertAVP(SAM) MRCVS, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine, has shared expert advice on behalf of Kin Vet Community, highlighting key things people should consider before making this important decision...

Thinking about adding a furry family member this Christmas? Whether the kids have added a puppy to their Christmas wishlist or you’re toying with the idea of adopting a rescue kitten, there are a few practical things worth considering before you get wrapped up in the magic of this time of year:

Are you and your family prepared for a long-term commitment?
Pets can live 10–20 years (or longer), so you must be ready for a long-term emotional and financial responsibility.

Can you handle the initial and ongoing costs?
It’s not just about the initial purchase or adoption fee. You’ll need to factor in regular costs, such as routine vet visits for vaccinations, health checks, insurance, food and dietary needs (especially for breeds with allergies or sensitivities), grooming, bedding, toys, and enrichment. There are also unexpected or one-off costs to consider, including unexpected medical bills, neutering, microchipping, and preventative care. Can you budget for these costs?

Does a pet fit into your lifestyle?
When you’re at home more over the festive period, looking after a pet can seem much easier. But what about the post-holiday reality?
Consider whether your household, work schedule, and living space are suitable for the species and breed. Some pets need lots of exercise, mental stimulation, or companionship, and this can be time-consuming. So, you need to be sure that they’ll fit into your life or many years to come.

Can you dedicate time and patience to training?
Many pets, particularly puppies and kittens, require time, patience, and training, which isn’t ideal if your home is busy or disrupted during the holidays. Without dedicated time for training, pets can become bored, understimulated, and may even develop behavioural problems.

Would your new pet be able to avoid potentially stressful festive celebrations?
Christmas can be noisy and chaotic, especially where smaller children are involved. This can be overwhelming for new pets, so it’s often best to plan adoptions or purchases at a calmer time of year.

Are you aware that Christmas can be overwhelming for rescue centres?
Many rescue centres see an increase in abandoned or surrendered pets in the months following Christmas, when new owners realise the commitment involved. By making sure that you and your family understand the commitment involved in pet ownership beforehand, and even waiting until a later date, this can help take the pressure off rescues.

Owning a pet is a privilege that requires preparation, research, and a commitment to their health, happiness, and welfare throughout their life. So, make sure you can tick ‘yes’ to all these questions before bringing a new furry family member into your home.

A great alternative could be some pet-related gifts. Consider books to read up on your prospective new friend, toys or bowls in preparation for their arrival at a later date, or even some warm-weather gear to keep you snug during winter walkies. If it all still makes sense once the Christmas lights have faded, then you can be more confident in your choice of a new companion.