From Once in a Wild: San Antonio’s Animal Experts
Picture this: a festive Christmas morning, a box under the tree, and the wide-eyed excitement of unwrapping a puppy, kitten, or bunny. It sounds magical—but for countless animals, this moment often leads to heartbreak. Each year, many holiday pets end up in shelters because families weren’t prepared for the responsibility.
This Christmas, Once in a Wild urges you to think twice before gifting a pet. Here’s why pets aren’t great Christmas presents—and how you can still give the gift of animals responsibly.
5 Reasons Why Pets Aren’t Gifts
- Pets Are a Lifetime Commitment, Not Toys
A new pet isn’t just for Christmas—it’s for life. Dogs can live up to 15 years or more, and exotic pets have unique needs that require specialized care. - Holiday Chaos Isn’t Ideal for Pets
With parties, travel, and loud noises, the holidays are stressful for animals. Introducing a pet into this chaos can lead to anxiety, illness, or behavioral problems. - Many Surprise Pets End Up Homeless
According to San Antonio Animal Care Services, impulse pet adoptions often result in surrenders. Pets are returned because of allergies, lack of training, or mismatched lifestyles. - Not All Pets Fit All Families
Surprise gifts leave no room for research. Every animal—whether it’s a dog, bird, or lizard—has unique behaviors and needs that might not align with your household. - Training and Socialization Take Time
The holiday season is busy. Without the time to train and bond with a new pet, problems can arise that lead to abandonment or worse.
What to Do Instead: 5 Gift Ideas That Show You Care
- Book an Animal Encounter with Once in a Wild
Let us bring the magic of live animal experiences to your home! Our zookeepers will introduce you to fascinating creatures in a safe, fun, and educational way. - Sponsor an Animal at a Local Shelter
Honor your loved one by sponsoring an animal in need. It’s a thoughtful gift that helps save lives. - Plan a Post-Holiday Adoption
If your family is ready for a pet, visit local shelters after the holidays. This allows for careful planning and ensures a smoother transition for the animal. - Gift an Animal-Themed Experience or Subscription
Consider zoo memberships, animal books, or a donation to a wildlife organization in their name. - Create an Animal-Lover’s Gift Basket
Fill a basket with pet care books, a plush toy, and a “pet promise” voucher for a future adoption.
Once in a Wild: Inspiring Responsible Pet Ownership
At Once in a Wild, we believe in promoting empathy and understanding through live animal interactions. This holiday season, let’s make choices that reflect care and respect for animals.
🎅 Looking for a unique holiday experience? Book your Once in a Wild animal encounter today! Call 210-920-3030 to schedule your event.
A Christmas to Remember—for the Right Reasons
The best gift you can give this Christmas is a thoughtful, responsible choice. Let’s keep animals out of shelters and in loving homes.
From all of us at Once in a Wild, happy holidays—and thank you for caring about animals as much as we do!
