Every year at Christmas something happens that makes every worker in every animal shelter cringe. A puppy or kitten is given as a gift. Some of you are saying to yourselves, “Yeah, so what?” The “what” is when a year later that pet is outside, condemned to a life at the end of a chain because it got too big or shed too much. Maybe the kitten now lives in the barn because the litter box smelled or it kept climbing the curtains, while in that playful kitten stage.

A pet should be more than just a gift for a holiday. The person receiving that pet is supposed to be responsible for that animal the rest of its natural life. I say natural because ending up on death row in a kill shelter is not, and shouldn’t be, natural.

Unfortunately that exact thing is happening more and more as our society seems bent on having what it wants, when it wants it. We are so driven by “I want it now” that we don’t think ahead about the consequences of our actions.

We are also a disposable society, where if we don’t want to be bothered, we dump our problem off on someone else, like our local shelter. Then, if they don’t have room and need to euthanize (read kill) the pet to make space, it isn’t “their” fault. Purebreed rescues are full of someone else’s problems.

Not every breed of dog or cat will be the right pet for your family. If you are a couch potato a border collie will become destructive trying to find an outlet for his energy. He would not be the best pet for you. Don’t think you will change after getting the dog. That rarely happens. If you are concerned with pet hair on your clothes, don’t get a long-haired cat. (Or even a short-haired cat, for that matter). Not all breeds of cats have the same amount of energy. You might want a breed that is gentle and quiet or one that is gregarious and a talker.

How large a pet will grow to be, how much it sheds, how active it is and how easy they are to train are just some of the factors you need to consider before choosing a pet best suited for you. The person on the receiving end of that gift doesn’t get to make any of those choices do they?

Another thing to realize is that sometimes people say they want such and such for a pet but talking about it and doing it are two different things. If they really wanted it wouldn’t they get it themselves? You need to be positive about the pet you choose for them is exactly what they wanted. Or else “Fluffy” may end up on the doorstep of the local shelter, or worse.

If you are really set on getting a pet for someone, why not get a gift certificate at your local shelter so they can choose the pet they would like after the holidays are over. The pet then gets the benefit of coming home into a calm household instead of the fuss and muss so many of us are wrapped up in during the season. Some shelters suspend adoptions during the holiday season in an attempt to prevent “Christmas pets.” If it’s a child you can wrap things like books on pet care and leashes for the pet to give them in the interim. (Please note — if you are getting a pet for a child, the parents need to know they will most likely end up with that pet when the child leaves the nest. They will also end up taking care of the pet if the child isn’t old enough for that responsibility. Don’t assume getting a pet for your child will make them more responsible than they already are.)

Most reputable breeders want to protect pets from the added stress of leaving a family and going into a very hectic new home. They are also concerned with making sure the person getting that pet really wants it, or would that pet be given away after the novelty has worn off. Most of the time reputable breeders avoid having “Christmas pets” available. So then you may go to the pet store or a backyard breeder and end up with a walking vet bill, or behavior problems for the next 10 or more years. (Don’t just believe, do your research!) People who always seem to have puppies or kittens for sale are to be avoided as well. Not all pet mills are dirty or easily recognized as such.

The holidays can be a dangerous time for any pet, not just young ones: The temptation of all the leftovers in the garbage, strings of lights to chew on, the family being too caught up in the excitement of the day to realize Rover needs to go “out.”

A pet is a living, breathing animal that should be treated as a member of the family, not just as a possession. If you want a pet, by all means get one. But take the time to do your research to find the best pet for your family. Please reconsider giving a pet as a gift this yar. In the long run, you may be saving that pet’s life.

Marie Finnegan is the public education coordinator of Mid-coast Kennel Club.