Don’t give pets as presents
Pets never make good Christmas gifts and should never be bought on a whim or given as a surprise. Don’t forget the famous Dogs Trust slogan: “A Dog is For Life, Not Just For Christmas.” It makes far more sense to wait until the New Year, after the seasonal festivities have run their course, before welcoming a new friend-for-life into your home. The simple idea of giving a sentient creature as a commodity is wrong: they cannot be put to the back of the cupboard when you’re bored with them.
Additionally, there is a high cost involved in keeping a pet, and it isn’t fair to impose this on someone else. Or if you are buying one for your family, you need to pause and work out if you can afford the sums needed.
Think about the cost of keeping a pet
Set up costs
Cost of a pedigree puppy averages from €250- €1200 depending on breed or pedigree
Neutering (depends on whether male or female & Weight) €100 – €250
Primary vaccinations €60 each
Microchip €35 – 50
So initial costs €400 – 700
but this can be as little as €150 total if you take a pet from a rescue group
Collars, beds, toys, treats all extra!
Ongoing costs
Annual health check and booster vaccine €45 – 55
Annual flea and worming treatment €50 – 300 depending
Vet Consultation (without medication) €45 – 50 if falls ill – average once a year
Boarding Kennels €10-20 per day – 2 weeks holidays €210 – 280
Food – €15+ per week = €750 plus per year
Pet Insurance €120 to €300 annually
Total annual amount €800 minimum (if healthy, no boarding) to over €1700
A better idea: Wait till the New Year, then get a rescued dog
It’s far better to wait until after the festive season when introducing a new pet in the home. Adopt a dog from the ISPCA, a local rescue centre or your local dog pound. Researching the right pet for your family is very important as is ensuring you have adequate time and financial resources to care for your new pet responsibly. Pets adopted from rescue groups will be health-checked, vaccinated, neutered/spayed, parasite treated and microchipped.
Please note that I am unable to answer veterinary questions in comments. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health it is always better to contact your vet.