Use Forethought When Providing Pets as Gifts.

• Position: COMPANION ANIMALS

Although there has been an increase in demand for the adoption and fostering of pets during the COVID-19 pandemic, there also has been an uptick in the number of animals being surrendered, and this uptick may increase after the holiday season, as oftentimes "gift" pets are surrendered as their owners cannot or will not look after them.

While pets have proven to be great companions amid the pandemic-providing comfort and stress relief-there are many things to consider prior to gifting a cat or dog to a friend or family member this Christmas. These considerations include pet care costs, owner commitment, and species/breed-pet owner compatibility.

In a report by Mars Petcare, parent company of BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, Tampa, Fla., investigators found that some pet owners have faced financial challenges throughout the pandemic, with 20% of pet owners having considered giving up their pets in 2020, and 13% actually doing so.

Aside from emergency care expenses, the ASPCA estimates that the total first-year cost of dog (or cat) ownership can range from $1,314 to $1,843 on average. Included in this estimate is pet health insurance (which many pet owners do not have), food, toys, preventative care, grooming, and more. If a pet gets sick or injured, veterinary costs can add up quickly.

Potential pet costs are good reasons to have pet health insurance or a pet emergency fund. To ensure the best care possible, the gifter also may want to include information on pet...