Are you considering getting a pet for Christmas or thinking about giving someone else a pet as a present? Do pets make good Christmas gifts?

With Christmas approaching fast and letters to Santa already in the mail, there will always be the controversial issue of whether Christmas is a responsible time to give a pet as a gift. Many feel it is not; however, under the right circumstances, it could be the time to add a furry family member.

Prospective pet adopters need time to prepare for their family’s new addition. The adoption of a pet should be part of a researched, thorough and forward-looking plan. Any adopted pet should have been a carefully thought-out process. This includes understanding the impact and responsibility of taking care of them. You should ask yourself several questions prior to the adoption commitment, making sure you, your family, or the person who is getting the pet as a gift really wants it, does it fit their lifestyle and, most importantly, they can afford the expenses involved with proper care. It is an important decision.

If a person wants a pet, they should choose the pet themselves so it is compatible with their lifestyle. They must want it, agree to accept responsibility for it and be willing to provide the necessary care. Don’t surprise the receiver of the pet because they may feel obliged to accept the gift only to later re-home the dog or cat. This is not only stressful for the owner, but can have a huge impact on the pet. Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are living creatures that deserve a commitment. Remember that dogs and cats cannot care for themselves.

The commitment to a newly adopted pet must last the lifetime of that animal, not just on Christmas Day. So, before deciding to give a dog or cat as a gift, remember that pets are forever.

For those of you who already have pets, are you getting them anything for Christmas? It’s no secret that Christmas is here with all the lights, shopping and holiday spirit in the air. Your pet knows, too. You may have already done all your shopping, or may be a last-minute person, but would you buy presents for your pets? If you look around, there are so many things to get your pet as a gift: clothes, treats, homemade snacks, even a new collar or leash.

No one should be sad at Christmas, including your pet. Your dog, cat, dog and cat, or multiple variations of any, have made a commitment to you for life and it should not go unnoticed. Think about this: Everyone is opening presents with the excitement of the moment. Your pet is happy too, feeling the happiness of the family around him. That small gift would mean something to your pet, knowing they had been included in the excitement, the family, the moment. Your pet should not be left out.

At Animal Services, we are committed to the dogs and cats in our care. We want nothing more than to see them get a home for the holidays -- a new family to love them forever. Pets make everyone happy, so adopt today and make a dog or cat happy too. Share the holidays with a pet, regardless of whether you have one. Every dog or cat at Animal Services deserves a second chance.

Adopt your new family member from Manatee County Animal Services today. Don’t forget about our December adoption special. We want every animal “home for the holidays.” Adopt any dog for $40 and any cat for $20, which includes the required license certificate and tag. A microchip is also included.

Kris Weiskopf, chief of Manatee County Animal Services, writes this weekly column for the Bradenton Herald.