The magic that is a puppy being unwrapped on Christmas morning has captivated Americans for decades. Many have seen videos of smiling children or significant others bursting into tears at the dog under the tree. Some have been able to experience it themselves.
“That’s the poorest reason in the world to buy a dog,” counters Jack Riggsbee, show chairman of the Reno Kennel Club (RKC). “Because in the first place, you’re buying it for someone else.”
First and foremost, a puppy, kitten, or any other small animal is a living being. A pet of any kind is a responsibility that takes proper research and should not simply be a surprise gift. This will be a common theme going forward in this article.
“It’s a conversation that needs to be had with the whole family,” Rebecca Goff, Nevada State Director of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), said. “It’s a conversation that needs to be had with the person receiving the gift, to make sure that they’re ready.”
Puppies, as adorable and sweet as they are, can be a lot in a small package. Goff, who made it clear she will likely never get a puppy again, explained. “They’re like babies,” she said. “They will tear everything up, go potty everywhere. You need the time and resources to train that dog.”
Not only that, puppies are a longer commitment than some may expect. Goff described how, depending on the dog, it can be a “10 to 16, 17-year commitment to that animal.”
WCRAS Program Coordinator Quinn Sweet pointed to pet rabbits living unexpectedly long as well, with a lifespan of upwards of a decade. She explained how the WCRAS typically sees an increase in abandoned, non-native rabbits shortly after Easter, likely bought for the occasion.
Puppies don’t stay young forever, which can change dynamics in more challenging directions as well. Huskies, for example, are adorable as babies. Past that puppy phase, they can be extremely difficult for unprepared owners. They’re even being regarded as one of the hardest breeds to train. They require plenty of space, exercise, mental stimulation, and a lot of grooming.
Huskies also won’t fit in with a sedentary lifestyle, cooped up in an apartment all day as their owner is at work. Goff described seeing Huskies chew through walls, crates, and even garages “because they’re bored.”
“You have to really do that research and be diligent about that before you get the cutest puppy you come across,” Sweet said.
To her, a “responsible pet owner” is somebody who takes time to understand the needs of their dog prior to adopting one. They need to understand their own lifestyle and if the animal fits in. There is also the need to understand costs of owning a dog throughout its life, from food to vet visits and unexpected medical problems which increase in likelihood as they age.
Rising inflation has caused sky-high prices for all Americans, and pet owners are feeling the brunt of it. Simply getting an animal in for an appointment is also becoming more difficult following the pandemic. Strict housing requirements and exuberant pet rent costs in Washoe can also put owners in a difficult position.
Riggsbee has seen the impact within the RKC, which is the local chapter of the American Kennel Club. The shows they host bring dog owners from out-of-state, and increased travel and hotel costs cause difficulty. Riggsbee, who has spent thousands of dollars on this passion with little profit, notes people leaving the hobby entirely because of the cost.
Owning a pet of any kind can be incredibly expensive. Thankfully, Washoe County does have multiple programs to help, such as the Nevada Humane Society’s Pet Pantry or the affordable clinic Options Veterinary Care.
Asking for help doesn’t indicate weakness or failing your pet. Now, it’s time to “step up” as a community and create a space of understanding, and support for struggling owners, Goff said.
One more responsibility that some aren’t prepared for is the end of their dog’s life.
“Around the holidays we do see an unfortunate trend of older, senior animals being abandoned,” Sweet said. “Which is very sad. Because people want to get puppies for the holidays. And, you know, they don’t want to deal with the end of life care for their animals.”
For Sweet, there needs to be a better understanding of the uncomfortable topic of death and the options available to owners. Preparing for the end of a pet’s life is just as important as first bringing it home.
Taking care of a dog can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing. Experts interviewed for this article say it’s not a responsibility that should be gifted for Christmas.
As Goff said, if you really do want to give the gift of a puppy, make sure to have a discussion with whomever you plan to do so for. Ensure they are ready and willing to take care of the dog for the entirety of its life.