Giving a pet as a gift this Christmas?
The truth is that giving a pet as a gift is very different to giving any other kind of present.
The Festive Season is here, and everyone is thinking about the perfect gift for family and friends.
Sometimes it’s easy to know what to get: that book your dad’s just been longing to read or that fairy princess outfit your daughter’s had her eye on for the longest time.
These are special gifts that will bring joy on the day, and provide many hours of pleasure long after the holidays have passed.
In this spirit of giving, it’s sometimes tempting to think of giving kids, family members or friends a fluffy kitten or a cute puppy for Christmas. After all, it’s the gift that keeps on giving, isn’t it?
The truth is that giving a pet as a gift is very different to giving any other kind of present. As dogs and cats live between 10 and 20 years, they require a long-term commitment of care from the recipient, who may not be willing or able to take on this responsibility.
“Introducing a living creature into a household is something that should be carefully considered,” said Jolene Delport, PR Officer at the Johannesburg SPCA, “and it should never be done on impulse. Most importantly, it shouldn’t be done without consulting the recipient or without being absolutely sure that the animal will be loved and properly cared for.”
After all, pets need to be fed and sheltered, need proper veterinary care, and need to be safely accommodated if their owners have to go away. They also need love, attention and regular exercise, and aren’t just ornaments that can be set aside when you don’t have the time for them.
Jolene went on to emphasise that it’s important for parents not to give the impression that animals are toys by giving them as gifts.
“Taking on the responsibility for a pet is something that should be carefully considered at a time when proper attention can be given to the undertaking, rather than in the midst of all the holiday buzz.
A new pet should be seen as a new family member, not as a new plaything.”
Every year, the Johannesburg SPCA receives a flood of surrendered animals after the holidays. Many of these have been given as gifts and the recipients just don’t want the responsibility of caring for them. This means the SPCA has to try to find loving forever homes for more animals than usual, and this isn’t always possible.
Another reason why the organisation discourages the giving of pets as gifts is that this helps to keep puppy mills and other illegal breeders in business. If people clamour for cute or designer pets over the holidays, unscrupulous breeders and unregulated pet shops can sell off kittens and puppies that might have congenital or other health problems. As importantly, they can keep pushing mothers to have litter after litter until they’re too weak or ill to continue, at which time they’re put down.
Animals bring so much joy into the home, but it’s important to keep the adoption process separate from the fever of the holiday season, and not to think of animals as just another gift.
“We at the Johannesburg SPCA are here to advise on every aspect of adopting a new FurKid, if that’s something you’re thinking of doing. When you’re ready to add a new pet to your household, take your time and have a chat to us. We’ll help you to find the perfect fit for both your family and for the animal.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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