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Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Ottawa – The image of a puppy or kitten under a decorated tree on Christmas morning might seem like a dream come true for many people… in reality, however, may be the first step of a potential nightmare. In many homes, the holidays are a hectic time of year with lots of visitors, parties, etc. This can make it a very impractical time to introduce a new pet that needs a lot of attention and a regular schedule. Every year across Canada, holiday animals find their way to shelters or new homes shortly after their purchase, their owners having quickly grown disenchanted with the realities of owning a pet.
Veterinarians, humane societies and reputable breeders will gladly tell anyone that cats and dogs don’t make good gifts. Parents might be disappointed by the thought of ruining a holiday surprise, but getting everyone involved in the purchase or adoption of a new pet will ensure everyone agrees with having a new companion; will help increase the chances that the new pet will fit in with the family (especially with children and existing animals); and the extra planning and thought needed to have the whole family involved will help avoid impulse purchases that can lead to problems down the road.
The potential consequences of purchasing a puppy or a kitten as a gift are numerous, and some can be quite serious. Failing to consider your family – the age of your children and temperament of existing pets, for example – as well as the temperament of your new pet – such as breed, friendliness toward other animals/children, level of activity – could spell disaster: an existing dog could chase or injure a new kitten, or a new puppy could behave aggressively, and maybe eventually even bite children in a household. In other instances, new pet owners discover owning a puppy or kitten can be expensive and time consuming, and surrender their new pet to the animal shelter, where it is put up for adoption.
“We could avoid so many pets being sent to shelters, and maybe even avoid so many tragedies like dog bites if only more thought was put into obtaining a new companion,” warns Bob Van Tongerloo, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS). “In addition, purchasing a poorly bred pet – from a pet store, a puppy mills or a backyard breeder, for example – can lead to behaviour and health problems requiring high veterinary bills, and many other issues.”
What if your family has researched the issue, and is truly committed to opening the door to a new four-legged member? Instead of bringing home the pet as a gift, why not shop for new pet necessities? Consider wrapping leashes and collars, litter boxes, food and other supplies to put under the tree. If you have extra time off, bring your family to the library or look on-line to research which type of pet or breed would be more appropriate for your family. Then, after the holidays, you can visit your local animal shelter – humane societies and SPCAs have many types of animals of all sizes and breeds, including, at times, purebreds. Or, if your heart is set on a purebred animal, you can also take the holidays to research and meet good breeders in your area. The National Companion Animal Coalition, of which the CFHS is a founding member, has developed the “Checklist for Acquiring a Dog” to help you find a dog from a reliable source.
Waiting until after the holidays to get your new pet might make you feel like you’re missing out on your picture perfect holidays this year – but it’s a great way to help ensure you’ll still be enjoying those special times when next Christmas rolls around!
If Christmas truly is a quiet time in your home, it may just be a perfect time to introduce a new pet as you have extra time holidays to allow the animal to get settled in – but only if you have seriously considered and researched the pet you will be adding. Also, please be aware of how much time and energy pets require, especially puppies, and be realistic about your holiday schedule.
About the CFHS – As the national voice on animal welfare issues, CFHS represents over 100 member societies and speaks collectively for more than 400,000 individuals. CFHS is a charitable organization committed to ending the suffering of animals by working with the public, government, industry, the scientific community, educators and the media on both the national and local levels toward this goal.For more information, please contact:
Tanya O’Callaghan, Communications Coordinator
T: (613) 224-8072
tanyao@cfhs.ca
or
Shelagh MacDonald, Program Director
T: (613) 224-8072
shelaghm@cfhs.ca
