Love Is Not a Surprise: Rethinking Pets as Holiday Gifts

The holidays are a season of generosity, excitement, and big emotions. For many people, the idea of a puppy under the tree feels like the ultimate expression of love. But dogs and cats are not the only animals affected by holiday gift giving.

Each year, countless fish, reptiles, turtles, guinea pigs, and other small animals are purchased as Christmas presents. These animals are often marketed as “easy” or “low maintenance,” but the reality is very different.

While pets can bring joy, they are not seasonal gifts. They are living beings with complex needs that last long after the holiday season ends.

Why the holidays are a tough time for new pets

Christmas is busy, loud, and unpredictable. Routines are disrupted, homes are full of visitors, and travel is common. For animals, especially those sensitive to changes in environment, this can be overwhelming.

New pets need time, consistency, and proper setup to adjust safely. Bringing an animal home during one of the most chaotic weeks of the year often sets both the pet and the caregiver up for stress.

Small pets, big needs

Animals like fish, lizards, turtles, guinea pigs, and other small mammals are frequently purchased without a full understanding of their care requirements.

• Fish need properly cycled tanks, water testing, and regular maintenance. A bowl or small tank is not appropriate.

• Reptiles require specific temperatures, humidity levels, UVB lighting, and carefully balanced diets to stay healthy.

• Turtles need large aquatic setups, strong filtration systems, and specialized lighting, not small plastic enclosures.

• Guinea pigs and other small mammals need daily care, social interaction, room to move, and access to veterinary care.

When these needs are not met, animals can suffer quietly. Many small or exotic pets do not show obvious signs of illness until their condition is already serious.

A lifelong commitment, not a surprise

Pets live for years. Some reptiles and turtles can live for decades. These animals are not short term responsibilities, even if they are small.

When pets are given as surprises, the person receiving them may not have the time, space, or resources needed to provide proper care. Once the excitement fades, animals are often surrendered, rehomed, or kept in conditions that do not meet their needs.

What happens after the holidays

Animal shelters and rescues consistently report an increase in returns and surrenders following Christmas.

In early 2024, multiple shelters across the U.S. shared that January brought a noticeable rise in animals being returned compared to December, with some reporting increases of over 20 percent in dog returns alone.

Shelter staff have also noted that many of these returns are linked to holiday adoptions or pets received as gifts, when families realize they were not fully prepared for the responsibility.

This pattern does not only affect dogs and cats. Small mammals, reptiles, and fish are frequently surrendered to shelters or rescue organizations, many of which already operate with limited resources and space. Specialized rescues for exotic animals are especially overwhelmed, making it harder for these pets to find appropriate homes.

Thoughtful alternatives to giving pets as gifts

Choosing not to give a live animal does not mean choosing less love. There are many ways to honor someone’s interest in animals while protecting their wellbeing.

• Give a promise instead of a pet, with a plan to research and adopt together later.

• Gift books, supplies, or habitat items for a future pet once proper care has been learned.

• Make a donation to a local shelter, rescue, or animal welfare organization in someone’s name.

• Volunteer together at a shelter, rescue, or sanctuary.

• Consider fostering, when appropriate, as a short term way to support animals in need.

• Plan adoptions after the holidays, when routines are calmer and decisions can be made intentionally.

A loving choice

Animals depend on us to make informed, compassionate decisions on their behalf. Whether large or small, furry or scaled, every pet deserves thoughtful care and a home prepared to meet their needs.

The most loving gift is not a surprise under the tree, but a commitment made with knowledge, patience, and respect for an animal’s entire life.