It can be tempting to surprise an animal-loving friend or family member with a pet as a gift, but that choice rarely sets the pet and new owner up for success.

“Choosing in order to add a pet to your family is a very personal decision. Ideally, the particular person who will receive the pet should be involved plus prepared to add a four-legged companion to their family since each person and pet is their own individual, and finding the right match is really important when welcoming a new pet, ” Deb Fair, the executive director of the PEDIGREE Foundation told PEOPLE.

The PEDIGREE Foundation is the nonprofit dedicated to helping rescue dogs find loving homes with regard to life, and it knows there are consequences regarding animals given to unprepared owners.

“Unfortunately, we know that many dogs that will end up in shelters are there because their own families could no longer care for them, and returning a dog to a shelter can become a devastating experience for the dog. That’s why it’s important to understand the commitment and make sure you’ve identified an animal that’s the best fit for you and your own lifestyle before adopting, inch Fair added.

With the holidays fast approaching and countless animals waiting in shelters nationwide intended for forever homes, PEOPLE asked Fair to get tips on responsibly giving rescue pets because gifts.

Reasonable advised that the most crucial step should be to skip the surprise element of the gift and make the recipient an essential part associated with the dog adoption process. This way, the future family pet parent may pick the pet that matches their lifestyle and energy level.

“It’s best if the prospective pet parent will be fully aware of the plan, as well as the commitments and responsibilities surrounding dog ownership prior to getting a pet, ” Fair shared, adding that with awareness of the particular plan, a future pet proprietor can pet-proof their house, purchase supplies, plus set upward vet appointments before the animal arrives.

For present givers that know their particular family member or even friend is usually prepared pertaining to a pet and still want to include the component of surprise in their gift, Reasonable suggested contacting a local animal shelter meant for ideas.

“Consider reaching out in order to local animal shelters or rescue organizations for their guidance if you’re interested in gifting a pet. Some may recommend gifting a pet-themed gift basket and then coming back after the vacations to choose the person pet instead of adopting an animal for the particular recipient. You could also consider surprising the recipient with an outing to the shelter or save to help find an adoptable pet that will matches which right for them, ” she said.

“While giving a dog may sound like a great idea, remember that it also comes with huge responsibility, and your idea of someone else’s perfect match might not actually be their greatest fit, so it’s important to include all of them in the process, ” Fair additional.

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The particular PEDIGREE Foundation’s executive director also requested that pet lovers raise awareness about the dangers associated with surprising people with rescue pets as gifts.

“As an animal lover, you can end up being an advocate for animals! If you hear friends or even family talking about gifting pets, you can help them understand the particular level of commitment required for owning pets and the importance of involving the recipients ahead of time, ” Fair shared.

To learn more about family pet adoption, how to prepare your life for a rescue pet, and ways to help homeless animals, visit the PEDIGREE Foundation’s website.