Lonely pet . . . avoid impulsive buying a pet for Christmas.
Although this is an article written and published for the Australian public, I feel that the information is absolutely correct and important to be considered when buying for your loved ones this year.
Pets are not good gifts. Period. Pets are like an adoption, not like a buying spree. Pets are non-refundable usually--hence the extra large number of unwanted pets deposited at pounds and shelters across the world.
Buying or getting a pet should be a family decision and should be discussed in advance. Everyone needs to be in agreement about the introduction of a pet into the family. Responsibilities need to be identified and assigned. Remember, if cared for correctly, this is a commitment that will last 15-18 years.
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* 03 Dec 09 @ 09:50am by staff writer
BRISBANE: Families should avoid impulse buying of pets as Christmas gifts to reduce the number of animals which end up in shelters, a veterinarian says.
Dr Mark Perissinotto, head vet at online retailer VetShopAustralia, said many pets that are bought as Christmas presents end up unwanted in refuges and the decision to become a pet owner should be carefully considered.
“Cute and cuddly puppies or kittens can be hard to resist buying when you see them in a pet store, but they quickly grow and lose their innocent charm,” Dr Perissinotto said.
“During the first few weeks of the New Year animal shelters are inundated with cats, dogs and other animals that were given as Christmas presents.
“Pets should be given only to people who can look after them for the lifetime of that animal, not just on Christmas Day, and taking on a pet shouldn’t be an impulse decision.”
Dr Perissinotto said before buying a pet, it was important the intended recipient wants and gets along with the animal, agrees to accept responsibility for it and is willing to provide care.
Avoid giving a pet for Christmas unless you are sure the entire family welcomes the new addition, and that includes any established pets the family may already have,” Dr Perissinotto said.
“Pets are an expensive addition to the household and costs, including food, council registration, micro-chipping, desexing, vet bills, vaccinations, grooming, boarding kennels and bedding, must also be met.”
Dr Perissinotto said families which had agreed to take on a new pet should wait until after Christmas to introduce the animal to their home.
“During the holiday season people are so busy that they don’t have the time it takes to fulfil a puppy’s or kitten’s demands and responsibilities such as walking or feeding a new pet can easily be forgotten,” he said.
“Instead of the actual pet, give pet supplies or pet toys as Christmas gifts in anticipation of the new arrival.”
Dr Perissinotto also encouraged families to adopt their new pet from a shelter or refuge.
“Adopting a pet is ultimately saving a life,” he said.
Read the original article here
Dr Mark Perissinotto, head vet at online retailer VetShopAustralia, said many pets that are bought as Christmas presents end up unwanted in refuges and the decision to become a pet owner should be carefully considered.
“Cute and cuddly puppies or kittens can be hard to resist buying when you see them in a pet store, but they quickly grow and lose their innocent charm,” Dr Perissinotto said.
“During the first few weeks of the New Year animal shelters are inundated with cats, dogs and other animals that were given as Christmas presents.
“Pets should be given only to people who can look after them for the lifetime of that animal, not just on Christmas Day, and taking on a pet shouldn’t be an impulse decision.”
Dr Perissinotto said before buying a pet, it was important the intended recipient wants and gets along with the animal, agrees to accept responsibility for it and is willing to provide care.
Avoid giving a pet for Christmas unless you are sure the entire family welcomes the new addition, and that includes any established pets the family may already have,” Dr Perissinotto said.
“Pets are an expensive addition to the household and costs, including food, council registration, micro-chipping, desexing, vet bills, vaccinations, grooming, boarding kennels and bedding, must also be met.”
Dr Perissinotto said families which had agreed to take on a new pet should wait until after Christmas to introduce the animal to their home.
“During the holiday season people are so busy that they don’t have the time it takes to fulfil a puppy’s or kitten’s demands and responsibilities such as walking or feeding a new pet can easily be forgotten,” he said.
“Instead of the actual pet, give pet supplies or pet toys as Christmas gifts in anticipation of the new arrival.”
Dr Perissinotto also encouraged families to adopt their new pet from a shelter or refuge.
“Adopting a pet is ultimately saving a life,” he said.
Read the original article here
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