Christmas pets simply aren’t a great gift
It’s a common sight in holiday advertising or programming. A family coming down the stairs and seeing a new puppy or kitten (bow and ribbon optional on their head), under the Christmas tree, the newest member of the family.
While this image may be heartwarming, it may not be ideal for most families, which is why local animal rescue agencies are advising Hatters not to adopt a pet on impulse for Christmas.
“We really don’t think that adding an animal to your family should be a surprise, it should be something that is really well-thought out and that all of the family members have discussed and agreed upon, and decided together, so everyone is taking responsibility, and they realize it is a big responsibility,” said Katie Ayres, executive director of the Medicine Hat SPCA. “Adding a dog or cat to your family, they live for 10-15 years on average. It’s a long-term commitment.”
Kaylee Getz, animal services manager with Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre, says the holidays can also bring a lot of extra stressors and hazards for pets.
“There’s a lot of things they can eat or get into, as well as all of the extra added people in the home as well,” she said.
Ayres adds she doesn’t like the idea of a pet being a gift.
“It makes it sound like your pets are a toy, if you’re getting them as a gift,” she said. “A lot of people discard toys after they’re done with them.”
Getz agrees with the decision to not treat a pet as an impulse gift.
“People don’t always see it as a lifelong commitment,” she said, noting this attitude is prevalent with cats. “They have to be prepared for the financial responsibility of owning a pet, that a lot of people don’t think of.”
Ayres says if people really want a pet, it should be a full family decision, to be done at a later date.
“If they’ve been talking about it for a while and believe now is the time, and they really want an added animal to their family, Christmas could be a time of announcing that, but then going together and making sure they choose the right pet for their family,” she said.
Ayres notes the SPCA does not allow new adoptions around Christmas, unless it was already in progress.
Ayres and Getz both say the animals in their shelter will be cared for on Christmas Day. Stockings are set up by every cage, and treats will be put in place for the animals.