What to consider when giving a pet as a holiday gift Patrick Johnstone/KRIS 6 News Photo: Picture of a dog behind a fence (FILE PHOTO). and last updated 2020-12-22 19:22:31-05 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas â Imagine the joy of a loved one waking up on Christmas morning and seeing a new cat or dog sitting under the tree. While a new pet may be an exciting gift to give during the holidays, experts warn that adding a member to the family extends well beyond the holidays. âI think the biggest thing to keep in mind is itâs a lifelong commitment, you do have to pay for the animal throughout the year, itâs not just a one-time thing. So, I think people need to be prepared financially to be able to care for that animal throughout the year,â said Vanessa Scarbrough, the Field Supervisor at Animal Care Services for the City of Corpus Christi.