Direct Line- Buying a pet as a present advice and tips

Buying a pet as a present

When it comes to buying someone a pet, the simplest advice is, don’t, unless you both know they can handle such an important addition to their household. Unless someone actually wants a new pet, they can find themselves saddled with an unwanted, unloved, costly acquisition for many years.

The first thing to consider about pets is whether they’re right for the owner. An avowed cat lover who hasn’t actually owned one may not welcome the utter mayhem a kitten will bring to the furniture, jewellery and anything else they can find. They might, however, welcome an older cat. Likewise someone who likes dogs will need to understand the necessity for twice-daily walks – and that can mean a walk in the pouring rain and the snow! Also, factor in what the person you’re buying for will be like in 13 years’ time, when the pet may still be healthy and could need as much exercise and attention as they did when first acquired.

None of this should put you off the idea – the right pet for the right person is a sheer joy and it’s a gift that should last for years. But remember, a pet comes with a lot of necessary extras. Think about the following checklist:

• Pet food
• Pet insurance
• Vet fees for vaccinations, neutering/spaying etc
• Bedding – dogs and cats can be trained to sleep in their own bedding rather than on your furniture; this is easier with dogs than cats!
• Collars
• Name tags/micro chipping
• Scratching posts for cats
• Toys for both

Dog walking needs to be done assiduously and without fail. If the person for whom you’re buying a pet has limited mobility, you need to think about whether a cat would be better. If you want to get a dog you should consider how much exercise they need. The breed of dog will affect this, so make sure you do your research.

One useful option is to consider a rescue animal. Buying won’t be as straightforward – the animal shelter will want to see where the pet is going to live – but you’ll get an idea of the character of the pet before you bring it home. For example, you’ll get advice on whether it likes children, gets on well with other animals, and is likely to bolt. You’ll be able to choose an older animal if you’re concerned about kittens being too boisterous, for example, and you’re likely to find a house-trained pet.

A pet is a great gift but it’s one of the few that’s better when it’s not a surprise. Check that the owner and anyone they live with isn’t allergic. Check that they understand the commitment, and check whether anyone in the house is pregnant – if so, the risk of infection from pets, which anyone else would shrug off, should be seriously considered and the pregnant woman should be given the option to consult with her doctor first and be given the opportunity to weigh up the added financial burden.

If you’re certain someone wants a pet and knows what they’re getting into, then it is a good idea for them to take outpet insurance from Direct Line. You could make an additional gift of pet insurance to them. They would have to make the call, but we can accept payment from anybody. Whether it’s insurance for a dog or a cat, our efficient response to any claim could save a fortune in vet bills.

Finally check that they understand the ongoing costs. Direct Line will offer a discount if you take out cover online. Research by Mintel in December 2005 suggests that one in two pet owners have taken their pets to the vet unexpectedly in the last two years, so it's a worthwhile investment to be on the safe side. Find out more about our pet insurance cover.