Giving a Small Animal as a Christmas Gift
By: Tippy & Alfred
If you intend to give the gift of a small animal like a
rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, rat or mouse there are many
things you should know and consider before you do.
Not everyone is capable of taking care of a small animal. If
you intend to give the gift of a small animal you should
first make sure that the person that you are giving the pet
to will be able to take care of it. A pet should never be
given to someone as a surprise. The intended recipient
should be fully aware that you intend to give them the gift
of a small animal, and the responsibility that engenders.
You may go around to shelters and pet stores with the person
spending time picking out the small animal that they want to
have. Each type of small animal has its own quirks. A rabbit
is not interchangeable with a hamster, and some small
animals bite. Be sure that you get a small animal that has
been tamed to the hand and won't bite, especially if you
intend to give this pet to a young child. Take into
consideration what the animal will eat, if it has a strong
odor, what sex is the best choice, how large its housing
must be, and the like to make sure it will be a good match.
All small animals need paraphernalia like a cage, bedding,
water and food dishes or dispensers, small animal food,
shelter and toys. Picking out these items can be a special
time between you and the person to whom you intend to give
the pet.
You should also spend time with the new pet owner learning
about the pet and how to take care of it. There are many
books available on the subject of taking care of small
animals and how to treat them, with many specializing in the
exact species of pet you chose.
Children shouldn't be aloud to handle a pet without
supervision. This will prevent both the child and the pet
from being hurt. Small animals bite when stressed, even ones
that have been tamed to the hand.
Giving the gift of a pet is a big responsibility and you
should make yourself responsible for the pet should the
person you give it to be unable to care for the pet. Pets
are not toys but are living creatures and should be treated
as such.
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