How to Give a Dog as a Gift

When giving a dog as a gift, there are several steps you need to take to ensure you have the best interest of the dog at heart . The following 7 steps will serve as a guideline for giving a dog as a gift.
Do you have a friend who needs a best friend? If you’re thinking of giving a dog to a gift recipient on your list, there are several steps you need to take to ensure you have the best interest of the dog at heart. The following seven steps will serve as a guideline for giving a dog as a gift.

Step 1: Make sure the dog will be welcomed with open arms. This step is an absolute must. You will be doing the dog a huge disservice if you try to place him in a home that is not prepared and capable to care for him. The gift recipient must have stable living arrangements, financial security to provide for the dog and a loving heart.

Step 2: Visit a shelter or humane society. Because of the current economic climate, there are many animals who need a happy home. Be honest with the shelter or humane society that you visit; tell them your plans for giving the dog away as a gift. The people in charge might have a policy against adopting a dog to someone who doesn’t intend to keep the dog for himself. If this is the case, tell your gift recipient of your plans so that they can be included in the process.

Step 3: Include an informative resource. Once you’ve chosen a breed to adopt, visit your local book store and get a breed specific book. This is very important as your gift recipient will need to be informed about the proper care of this particular breed, including any health issues that the breed may be susceptible to.

Step 4: Purchase the basics. When giving a pet as a gift, it’s very important to include the necessary supplies as well. The basics include a collar (including an identification tag), a leash and food and water bowls.

Step 5: Provide a month’s supply of food. This is just a common courtesy to the gift recipient. Talk to a veterinarian prior to purchasing the month’s supply of food. This professional will be able to tell which dog food is appropriate for the breed, age and activity level of the dog you’ve chosen.

Step 6: Offer to pay for obedience classes if necessary. Assuming you’ve spent some time with the dog and learned as much background information as possible, you’re probably hoping the dog won’t need obedience classes! However, offer to pay for obedience classes in case the owner needs the tools to work with their new companion.

Step 7: Offer to pet sit the pooch. Oftentimes, the reason why people are hesitant to adopt a dog is because of the responsibility that goes with pet ownership. Relieve some of this responsibility by offering to pet sit the pooch in case the gift recipient has any future plans that cannot accommodate a dog.

Be sure to check in regularly to confirm that the dog is receiving the highest level of care. Because you matched the dog with its owner, ultimately it’s your responsibility to assure that he is healthy and happy!

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By Brian S.
Published: 6/3/2009
 
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