Getting pets for people seems like a good idea in theory, but a better idea is for her to pick out a dog for herself. Getting a dog is a big commitment to make so it's best for her to be sure she absolutely adores her companion animal. Some shelters allow gift cards or vouchers to be purchased as gifts so you get to cover the entire adoption fee so that she may go in and choose a pet.

If you're purchasing a dog from a pet shop or from a breeder, I wouldn't know if they do this. You may even decide to make her a little handmade IOU so you can go along with her when she picks out a dog and pay for her instead.

That sounds like a really thoughtful gift we got my grandpa a dog a few years back and he loves him. after his wife died he was getting lonely and the dog helped him get though it.

That's a really risky gift. You have to get a feel for if she wants a pet and has the time for one. Pets are a huge, huge commitment, almost like having a human child. At the same time, it might also be possible that she doesn't want to replace her previous dog.

I know it would spoil any surprise, but I'd discuss it first.

That way, you can talk about what kind of dog she'd prefer if she'd like or if maybe she'd rather keep another kind of pet.

My main worry is the time-consuming aspect - you'd have to talk about what she has the time for.

I work at a family pet store, and in my experience it is best to have the person pick out their own pet and fall in love with it. Between different genders, breeds, etc. of animals they all have different personalities, and each one is unique. It's best for her to find a good match for her. A lot of people just get the care items to wrap and give them on the holiday and pick out the animal afterwards. One cute thing someone, who was getting a gecko for their brother, did was buy a stuffed animal of it and put a ribbon around that. Then waited for him to figure out why he was getting a stuffed animal of all things.
Plus if she doesn't want a dog, care items or stuffed animals are returnable, pets often are not.

That's a great idea. I do like the idea of someone picking their own pet and bonding, but you could possibly take her to the pet store with you and let her pick one out.

I would never get someone a pet. They need to make that choice themselves. They'll know a pet is right for them when they "click". That's how it was when I got my cat. Ah... love.

Also, something to consider is that some shelters have special deals for older people. I don't know how old your mom is, but the one I got my second cat (first one, in my avatar, was found outside with fleas and cracked paws, no claws, and no one wanting to claim her) from would do reduced or free to people over 65.

And older animals had a smaller adoption fee.

Older animals can be great since they've already been housebroken / trained. My parents got a puppy last year and were not prepared for how much work it would be. Older animals tend to be more relaxed, too.

Of all the pets I have had, cats are the least work while still being affectionate and cuddly. And if you adopt a cat that's been declawed already (I am not a fan of declawing), there's very, very little chance that furniture will be destroyed (some dogs are fine, some... aren't).

On the other side, walking with a dog might be a good motivation for physical activity and they're much better at learning commands.

Animal rights organizations advise against surprise pets, because it leads to far too many unwanted situations.

A non-surprise gift that's discussed gets around this issue.