Pets as Christmas Gifts? Expert Explains How to Respond

Animal lovers agree: a dog or cat has no place as a gift under the Christmas tree. Yet, every year, pets are given as presents during the festive season. But how should one react if this happens among friends or family? PETBOOK spoke with dog trainer Katharina Marioth for advice.

Giving pets as Christmas gifts is widely discouraged—not just by experts but also by many animal lovers. Dogs, cats, rabbits, or hamsters do not belong under the tree. Beyond the fact that animals are not objects to be gifted, Christmas is an especially unsuitable time to introduce a pet to a family. As Marioth explains: “Christmas is a very stressful time for most families. There are visits, chaos, and shortly after, New Year’s fireworks. This is not an environment where a pet can settle in calmly.”

Pets Overwhelm Families During the Holidays

This period is especially problematic for puppies. “Some people believe that two weeks of vacation are enough to settle in a puppy. But that’s a misconception. Caring for a pet requires much more time, and puppies, in particular, need a calm and structured environment from the start,” says Marioth.

The consequences of impulsive pet acquisitions become apparent to dog trainers by January. “Every year, we see people purchasing animals, especially puppies, starting at the end of November. By January, the cries for help begin: Families feel overwhelmed, but the contracts have already been signed,” the expert shares.

Her advice: “Always seek a pre-purchase consultation before getting a pet. Avoid impulsive purchases, especially during Christmas.”