How to Give a Pet as a Holiday Gift

Research what kind of pet would work for your family before setting out with your child. Some breeds need peace and quiet; some need to run and make noise. Dog breed sketches can guide you even if you're considering a mixed breed dog. Surprisingly, some of the larger breeds, like Great Danes, get along fine in apartments if exercised daily and some smaller dogs, like beagles, are hyperkinetic creatures that can't stand being confined. If your kids are younger, their attention span when it comes to the less glamorous aspects of dog ownership--feeding, walking and picking-up-after--may be short. They may need a low-maintenance lover like a domestic shorthair tabby.

Forget that show dog idea; you're interviewing a new family member. Children do not need a pure-bred (and possibly high-strung) companion animal. They need sturdy, forgiving dogs and cats that will adore them unquestioningly and learn to sit, stay and come easily. Work on the meaning of "no," too. And keep at it. One of the saddest things is to see a companion animal that has loved a child or a family sitting in a shelter cage because his people weren't as committed to the match as he was.

Insist that your child pass the compatibility test. This is not a video game or a bicycle your child wants; it's a creature with feelings and a will of its own that is going to be a member of your family. Your child should be able to demonstrate that she understands this and is willing to invest the time to parent as well as love her new friend. Traits that she needs are persistence, good humor and the ability to forgive. These are qualities that most children have, which is why dogs, cats and kids get along so well. The fourth quality, patience, is a bit harder to come by.

Consider shelter animals first. Volunteer with your child at a shelter to help her get used to caring for and relating to animals. Explain that you want your child to get to know what kinds of dogs and cats there are before the two of you consider taking on responsibility for another member of the family. Then, on the big day, tuck a certificate for the amount it takes to adopt a cat or dog made out in the shelter's name in your child's stocking. Instead of hitting the stores alone, take the whole family (including any existing pets) over bright and early on the 26th to choose a lucky dog or cat.

Put a stuffed toy with a new collar or halter and leash under the tree and a bag of dry food in your child's stocking. The puppy or kitty can wait until the next day or someday agreed to by the shelter or breeder. Spend part of the holiday finding a place for your new friend to sleep, to put a cat box or making a dog bed together.