- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Giving the gift of a puppy can be an exciting experience. After all, puppies are cute balls of fluff, full of cuddles and love. But they’re also a lot of responsibility. It won’t be long before that cuddly canine starts barking, pooping, and chewing off its bow, and the realities of new pet parenthood set in.
A new pet can be a wonderful gift, but it can also be a challenging surprise. We spoke with Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA, FAAVA, and a veterinary advisor at Figo Pet Insurance to learn how to gift a puppy. Here’s how to present these fluffy bundles of joy in the right situation.
Why Puppies Shouldn’t Be a Surprise
The best way to give the gift of a dog is to make it a planned gift. “There are many factors for friends and family to consider, and bringing a dog into the home is a very personal decision,” says Dr. Ostermeier.
Two of the biggest factors in deciding to get a puppy include finances and time. “While you may think it is a ‘gift,’ you may end up taxing the person’s budget or overwhelming them with time commitments that go along with bringing a dog into the home,” she explains.
Another issue is that different dog breeds suit certain lifestyles better. Gifting a high-energy dog who needs a lot of space, like a Border Collie, to someone who works outside of the home or lives in an apartment could have disastrous effects.
Getting a puppy is a serious 10- to 15-year commitment you can’t make on someone else’s behalf. So, if you’re considering gifting someone a puppy, it’s important to get their consent first.
How To Gift a Puppy Safely
If you’ve received consent to gift a puppy, you’ll want to determine if you and the giftee are searching together or if you’ll take the lead. “In either case, paying for the cost of adoption or purchase is a wonderful gift,” says Dr. Ostermeier.
Things to consider ahead of time
Along with finding the puppy, you’ll need to consider a few things to prepare for the puppy’s arrival. First, the new family may want to discuss rules and develop a training plan before bringing the puppy home.
These discussions may also include the best breed for their lifestyle. “Do research on breeds if you are planning to purchase a purebred,” says Dr. Ostermeier. “Make sure that your home environment and schedule match the needs of the dog you choose.” It will also be important to consider financials, such as veterinary care, food costs, and basic supplies.
Whether purchased by the gifter or giftee, you’ll want to ensure the puppy’s new home is stocked with essentials. Some of these items include:
- A food and water bowl
- A dog bed or crate
- Dog food
- Dog collar, leash or harness, poop bags, and a poop bag holder
- Dog ID tags and a microchip
Additional items that are helpful when bringing home a puppy include puppy pee pads, training treats, gates to keep them contained, and puppy toys to keep them entertained.
How to present the puppy
While it may seem like a cute and harmless presentation, you should never wrap a puppy. “There is no safe way to wrap a dog as a gift,” Dr. Ostermeier confirms. “A simple bow attached to a collar is the safest option.”
Another cute—and useful—way to gift a puppy is to use a dog carrier or crate as the “wrapping,” suggests Dr. Ostermeier, and put a bow on top of the carrier or crate. “This way, the new pet parent has something useful to go along with the puppy.”
Alternatives to Gifting a Puppy
If gifting a puppy isn’t the right choice, there are other canine-themed gifts that will delight friends and family.
- Giving a gift certificate to a shelter or rescue organization so your prospective pet parent can pick out a pup when they’re ready
- Gifting supplies and letting the receiver know they can pick their puppy when ready
- Giving a gift card for training or dog-sitting services for a soon-to-be-adopted pup
- A stuffed dog to act as a stand-in for now, and a puppy chew toy for later
- If you’re gifting a puppy to a kid, a children’s book about responsible pet guardianship to help them prepare
