Then one day you're at the pet store or at the animal shelter. You see little round cat paws reaching out to you, just begging to be taken home. Or perhaps you're bewitched by the warm, gentle eyes of the dog gazing trustingly at you from his kennel. And you feel yourself starting to give in. People often want to give a new pet as a surprise gift for a special occasion, such as a birthday or Christmas.
People surrender their pets for a number of reasons.
Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment. When bringing a new pet into your family, everyone in the family should have a chance to spend time with the it before adopting. Everyone needs to agree. Some shelters will allow you to purchase a gift certificate good for the adoption of one pet. The recipient of your gift will be able to go in with their family and choose a pet of their own.