AITA for getting rid of the animals my sister gave my daughter?

Shirley Stafford Hours
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A seven-year-old’s birthday glows with backyard cheer, but when Amy hands her niece a cage of guinea pigs, David’s heart sinks. The 36-year-old dad, no animal lover, already wrangles two lively sons and a nosy cat. The surprise pets turn joy into chaos, straining his family’s routine.

When his daughter’s enthusiasm wanes under pet care demands, David, after a gentle talk, rehomes the guinea pigs with a friend. Amy’s fiery accusations of betrayal stir a family feud, pulling us into a relatable tangle of good intentions and tough choices.

‘AITA for getting rid of the animals my sister gave my daughter?’

My (M36) daughter recently celebrated her seventh birthday and, without taking in mind that I said my daughter would appreciate nature books and Barbie dolls, my sister Amy (F26) decided to, without permission, get my daughter two guinea pigs.

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Obviously my daughter latched onto them, so I kept them because I didn't want to break her heart, although I hate animals. Hundreds was dropped on appropriate food and toys and a cage for them, and then came the issue of bonding with them.

Anybody with experience around seven years olds knows that they're obnoxious, and any attempts at holding the animals calmly failed. My sons (5M, 3M) were obviously curious about the guinea pigs and accidentally scared them half the time, driving up their stress levels.

And then the cat (my one exception to my hate of animals) was curious about the new additions too, and not in a positive way. I tried to talk to Amy about it but according to her, the pigs were my responsibility now.

My daughter began to slip on her duties of feeding and giving the pigs water, but was thankfully a lot more understanding when I sat her down about the pigs and agreed, after some mild tears, that it was best if I found a new home for them.

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A friend of mine is very experienced with guinea pigs so he took them and my daughter was happy to learn that she could visit them or have pictures of the guinea pigs sent to her. However, Amy learned of this and is now pissed off at me for 'breaking my daughter's trust in me' and betraying her own trust and that I was a massive a**hole.

Gifting pets without consent is like handing someone a ticking time bomb—thrilling until it’s not. David’s struggle with Amy’s guinea pig gift reveals a classic family misstep. Dr. Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist, warns, “Gifting pets without agreement often overwhelms owners and harms animals”. David’s home, with rambunctious boys and a pet-averse dad, wasn’t ready for guinea pigs.

The issue ties to pet gifting ethics. A 2021 ASPCA report shows 20% of rehomed pets come from impulsive gifts (source: ASPCA Pet Statistics). David’s sons stressed the guinea pigs, and the cat’s curiosity added tension. Amy’s refusal to help left David to prioritize his daughter’s feelings and the pets’ welfare.

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Dr. McConnell stresses communication: “Discuss pet ownership first.” David followed this, involving his daughter in rehoming, ensuring she could visit the guinea pigs. This kept her trust while securing the animals’ safety, showing responsible parenting under pressure.

For similar situations, set clear boundaries. David could share ASPCA pet care guides with Amy to explain the disruption. Open talks prevent such mix-ups, and readers can share their stories below to keep the discussion alive.

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Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Redditors rallied behind David, calling Amy’s gift reckless for ignoring his household’s limits. They praise his responsible rehoming, noting pets require everyone’s consent to thrive.

His daughter’s maturity in accepting the decision earned nods, while Amy’s anger was seen as her own misstep. The community stresses that pet gifting demands agreement, echoing the need for thoughtful family choices.

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Usrname52 − NTA You don't give animals as pets to a kid without the parents' permission (basically the parents' word that they know it'll be their responsibility). Even if you loved animals, and your daughter was super responsible with them, and you didn't have two other little kids, it'd still be an AH move.

As you said, the animals were the cheap part, she thrust very expensive maintenance on you.. Your daughter is handing the rehoming very maturely. I wonder if your sister just wanted to play with guinea pigs without the responsibility and cost of owning them.. Let her know she should never buy animals as gifts.

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RafRafRafRaf − Only assholes give a child pets without the kid’s parents *full* knowledge and enthusiastic consent to take on that burden - including potential vet bills which can be startling even for small furries - for the next however long.. Strong NTA. Her actions and words are both completely unacceptable.. You didn’t betray your daughter’s trust. You modelled good, responsible, humane decision-making and put the guineapigs’ needs first.

alana_r_dray − NTA.. You don't give animals as gifts. The ONLY exception is if it's been coordinated in advance with the recipient, they are aware, they are open to it, and they have enthusiastically consented.. You do NOT give animals as gifts.

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Ilostmyratfairy − NTA. Anyone giving *any* pet as a surprise is a flaming a**hole.

mangoflavoredhorror − NTA. You don't gift pets to another person's child without consulting their parent. Don't listen to your sister–she's most likely projecting something onto you and your daughter.

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As long as you and your child were on the same page and the pets are doing fine, there shouldn't be any room for argument. Tell your sister that she's entitled to her opinion but she needs to respect the decision you AND your daughter made together about her presents.

IllustriousPomelo152 − NTA. No one should buy your kid a pet without your approval. Particularly a little kid. Your sister was out of line and if anyone should be angry -- should be YOU at HER.

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evelbug − NTA - You do not gift an animal without asking first. Especially if its an animal that may look tasty to other animals in the house.. Don't forget to pay the cat tax...

lexisplays − NTA pets aren't gifts, they are family. Good for you for finding them a safe home.

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facinationstreet − Guinea pigs are smelly and loud. NTA. If I were you I would have sent them back home the same day your sister gifted them. You can send her articles that detail ALL of the reasons pets should not be given to anyone for holidays, etc.

99% of the time they are rehomed/given to shelters because the recipient was not prepared for the animal(s), the animals (rabbits for easter) were purchased more for photo ops than to keep as an actual pet, etc.

[Reddit User] − O tough one. I’m gonna say NTA. Your sister is though. When people give animals to 7 year olds they are in fact giving them to their parents so your consent in the matter was essential.

David’s rehoming wasn’t about dimming his daughter’s joy but making a caring, practical choice. His story shows pets aren’t simple gifts—they demand commitment. Ever faced an unexpected gift that upended your life? Share your tales below and dive into the wild world of family decisions.

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