Don’t create another shelter dog this Christmas: BC SPCA

Some may argue there's no better sight on Christmas morning than a puppy, kitten or rabbit sitting with a bow on its head waiting to meet its new family. However, shelters and rescues services once again urge for people to reconsider such a big commitment.

The BC SPCA has issued its annual recommendation against giving pets as Christmas presents, for fear the unwanted animals will end up back in a shelter environment.

“It’s really important to make sure the person has the time for them, and to make sure the pet is the right age, breed and activity level for them and their lifestyle,” Kim Monteith with BC SPCA said in a press release. “It is a big commitment – one that could be 15-20 years – so we want to make sure people are ready for a pet and want the pet they’re given.”

The organization recommends potential buyers visit local shelters with the gift recipient to see if any of the adoptable pets would be a good match.

It's also important to consider which type of pet would be best for the gift recipient’s lifestyle. The BC SPCA says that most shelter animals, as senior pets, will already be house-trained and will therefore need less attention than a kitten or puppy.

“Of course we want people to adopt animals. Our main concern, as it is with every adoption, is to ensure we find the right match, for both the animal and their human companion,” Monteith said. “Every animal has a unique personality, just like humans do, and it’s so crucial to find one who matches your lifestyle, needs and expectations.”

More information about pet adoption can be found on the SPCA website here.

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