I agree with most of you, I would only get a gift certificate from a shelter, and only if I knew the person wanted a pet, and would take good care of it.

Just off the topic a bit, but it always amazes me how people buy kittens from the pet shop, as they pay around 58 dollars, de-wormed, flea free, and some food, and they still have to spay and neuter, and yet the cats league, have them for 35 dollars, all of the above and spayed and neutered.