There’s nothing quite as heart-warming as seeing your child’s eyes on Christmas morning when they see the gift of a new pet waiting for them. Cute puppies popping out of packages, ducklings waddling around the tree, a snake curled up in a tank beside the other gifts.

As cozy as they look, pets are not the ideal gift. Pets take a lot of time and money, and more often than not the time and money comes from the parents instead of the child. Before you buy an animal as a gift there are a lot of things to consider.

-Cost. Your child has been asking for a snake for years and you see a rat snake on sale for $25. Great deal, or is it? The cost of an animal is only the tip of the iceberg, especially for exotic pets. You cannot give simply a snake, you must also give housing, substrate, lights with specialized bulbs, a constant food supply and veterinary care. A responsible pet owner will know these costs before purchasing or adopting a pet and will be able to provide them. A person should never give an animal as a gift without having a frank conversation with the child’s parents.

-Long-term care. Your child received a cute turtle for their birthday a few years ago but now your child is headed off to college and a dorm room where pets are not allowed. The cute little turtle is now full-grown but has another ten or fifteen years ahead of him. Are you willing to care for this animal for another decade or two? People are often faced with situations in which they must find a new home for their animal but that is never ideal and should be a last resort after exhausting all other choices. When you give an animal a home you need to think long-term and commit to the animal’s entire life, not just the first few years.

-Consider the pet’s happiness and that of your neighbors. You have secured the cratee and everything you need to give your children a skunk. Skunks are friendly and funny, wonderful pets, but will your neighbor agree? Many animals need to forage to be completely healthy and happy, and allowing them secured time in your yard is ideal, however, your neighborhood association may not agree. Many pet owners have been told that their animal must go. Many cities and HOAs don’t allow exotic pets, including some of the more popular such as pigs, chickens and skunks. Seeing your child’s heart break when they must find a new home for the animal is never a good day. Consider your pet’s happiness too. Many animals can stay indoors without ill-effect but many need to be outside regularly in order to life a full and healthy life. Confining such a pet indoors isn’t in the best interest of the animal or your family.