CLAY COUNTY – Nothing is quite as heart-warming as the excitement of surprising a child with that longed-for dog or cat on Christmas morning. But no matter the season or reason, pet gifters need to consider all the days and years that follow the initial newness and take into account all the variables involved to ensure the selected pet will be a good fit for the entire family, as well as the new pet parent.

“People need to do their homework with the first step being to ensure the child, friend or relative really wants a pet and what would be a good fit for them and everyone sharing a home with the pet,” explained Annaleasa Winter, Public Information Officer, Clay County Board of Commissioners.

“Just because a child begs for a kitten or loves playing with Grandma’s poodle does not mean that they are ready to have one or really want to have them around all the time,” said Winter.

Prior research is needed in all basic areas including possible allergies, available finances, care specific to the breed including the on-going commitment of vet visits, and determining who is going to be responsible for all the necessary daily chores like feeding, scooping cat litter and walking the dog.

Pets bring joy but not everyone has time for a pet with kids’ days filled with school, homework, sports or classes and parents working and shuttling kids to activities. Leading busy lives means no one is home to enjoy and care for their new family member.

The main point to remember is that pets need to be a good fit to the person. An elderly person taking care of a rambunctious, large breed puppy or young children with a fragile pet would not be the best fit. And both the giver and receiver need to understand that this is not a typical gift but a life-long commitment, realizing how long their new “baby” can live, such as an indoor, well-cared for cat could live up to 20 years.

While everyone wants the surprise of gift giving, sometimes it would be better to delight the person with a gift certificate purchased from a rescue or pet store, along with some pet food and toys, so they have something to unwrap and later pick out their pet together. This will ensure they are getting the right animal for them and choosing a pet together may create a stronger bond as it creates an extra memory associated with the four-legged friend.

If the pet is intended for a family member, another way to be certain of a good fit would be to try fostering first, as all humane societies have foster programs. An even simpler idea would be to try “bow-wow break-outs,” offered at the Clay County Animal Services, where you can take a chosen dog for the afternoon, or overnight, and see how they relate to all family members.

“Adopt don’t shop” is the mantra emphasized by all area humane societies, shelters and rescue groups. That’s because it’s a triple gift -- saving a shelter pet, delighting the new pet “parent” with a life-companion, and emptying a cage so that a new animal can be saved as well.

Giving the gift of a pet to the right-aged child gives them the opportunity to raise, take care of and have a relationship with the special friendship of a pet while learning about unconditional love, compassion and responsibility. And unlike some myths that more pets received during the holidays result in irresponsible returns to shelters, research by the ASPCA proves there are no more returns after the holidays than any other time during the year.

“Giving a pet from a shelter is saving a life while giving the gift of a special friendship,” said Winter.