Cats and dogs do not make for good Christmas presents, according to Emma Hamil, animal centre manager at the BC SPCA Victoria branch.
Owning a cat, dog, or even a rabbit comes with a lot of responsibility and is a huge undertaking, especially if you are not used to caring for an animal, Hamil said.
“Surprise presents are especially advised against,” Hamil stressed. “In our application it says ‘Are you going to give this animal as a gift?’”
Adopting an animal from a shelter or an organization like the BC SPCA can be an excellent idea. Still, it is important to remember that rescue animals can come with massive trauma, said Hamil.
“What I recommend to folks when they bring a rescue animal into the home is the 3-3-3 rule,” she said. “That’s three days to settle in, three weeks until they’re feeling safe and starting to show their personality, and then three months until they’re completely safe.”
If someone does decide to buy a pet as a present, it is important to remember that this gift can be a 20-year commitment, especially if you are getting a kitten, she said.
“It’s a decision that you should look at as a commitment for 10 to sometimes 20 years. They can live quite a long time if you’re getting a cat. So really doing your research is important.”
Generally, the BC SPCA does not have people returning animals because they were a gift, according to Hamil. The pets surrendered to the BC SPCA are being given up due to lack of housing, behaviours, or medical problems.
Cats, dogs, rabbits, or birds all come with their separate challenges, Hamil added.
“Cats are a little bit more independent, whereas dogs take a little bit more work, training, adapting. You have to be prepared to exercise and stimulate their brains.”
Hamil said that if a parent is thinking about getting their child a present, it will most likely be the mom and dad responsible for feeding the pet and walking it, and for any vet bills that might arise.
“Research, educate, and ensure that whoever receives that present is prepared.”
