Home Page 		Hollywood Pet Doctor's Bag
3565 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (503) 234-9229
Fax: (503) 234-1584
staff@hollywoodpet.com



















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Look in the Dr's Bag monthly for new articles
and information on animal health issues.

Thinking about giving a pet?
WHEN YOU'RE planning for the holidays, it's tempting to give the gift of love, an adorable puppy, kitten or bunny, to surprise and delight a child, friend or relative. What could be a more precious present guaranteed to make the season merry and memorable!

Unfortunately, too often what seemed like an inspired idea turns out to be terrible mistake. At Hollywood Pet Hospital we frequently hear sad stories, or are asked to help solve the problem of what to do with pets given to people who didn't really want them. Some of these unlucky animals are ignored and neglected, and others end up euthanized at a shelter.

Frankly, pets rarely make good surprise presents. If somebody wants a pet, they usually get one, and if they don't already have a cat or a dog, it's probably for a good reason...

Before you go out to buy a friend a kitty or a puppy or a ferret, etc. take a moment to ask yourself the following questions.

  1. Does your friend really want the pet you have in mind to give?
    It's an obvious question but often overlooked. Does the person want a pet at all? Do you have enough information to select a pet for somebody else? Do you know what kinds of animals he/she likes, what species, breed, sex, size, color, temperament, etc? If you're unsure about what kind of tie to buy, how can you presume to match them with a living creature?

  2. Does the prospective pet owner understand what the animal needs?
    Some people, especially children, are totally unprepared for the reality of caring for an animal day in and day out. Think about the animal's physical and emotional needs, and the time and money required for its care (routine and non-routine veterinary work, food, supplies, etc.). Some animals, like birds and reptiles, have extremely specific needs, and caring for them requires extra effort and commitment. Are you giving somebody a new companion or an unrequested burden?

  3. Will the person be able to care for the new pet properly?
    It's important to consider the person's circumstances before you give them a pet. Money - Can the person afford the cost of taking care of the animal? Transportation - Does he/she have a way to take the pet to the veterinarian? Space - Does he have enough room to accommodate an animal? Time and permanence - Does he have the time to spend and the stability to care for a pet over its lifetime? If you're getting a pet for child, you need to consider his/her maturity and if he/she will have help with the big job of caring for another life. Not every animal is right for everyone.
Finally, if you do decide to give a pet and it doesn't work out, you should be willing to take responsibility for it yourself. Always remember that animals in human custody depend on us for all their needs. At minimum, this consists of food, appropriate shelter, medical care, and daily attention and interaction.

Children need to be taught what it means to be a responsible pet owner, and they learn by example. Caring for and loving an animal can be a wonderful way to learn empathy, compassion, respect for all life, responsibility, patience, planning and dependability - it's also lots of fun!

At Hollywood Pet Hospital, we have many insights into different animals and their care, their typical personalities, and what kinds of situations are ideal for them and what kinds are terrible. We love to talk about the pets we've known and the experience we've gained.
Let us help you make an informed decision, so every animal can have the home it deserves.

Hollywood Pet Hospital Veterinarian care 3565 NE Sandy Blvd for pets in Portland, OR Portland, Oregon 97232