Cats and dogs do not make for good Christmas presents, according to a spokesperson for the BC SPCA
Owning a cat, dog, or even rabbit comes with a lot of responsibility and is a huge undertaking, especially if you are not used to caring for a living animal, Emma Hamill, Animal Centre Manager at BC SPCA害羞草研究所檚 Victoria branch said.
害羞草研究所淪urprise presents are especially advised against doing such a thing,害羞草研究所� Hamil said. 害羞草研究所淚n our application, it says, Are you going to give this animal as a gift?害羞草研究所�
Adopting an animal from a shelter or an organization like the BC SPCA can be excellent. Still, it is important to remember that rescue animals can come with massive trauma, said Hamil.
害羞草研究所淲hat I recommend to folks when they bring a rescue animal into the home is the 333 rule,害羞草研究所� said Hamil. 害羞草研究所淭hat害羞草研究所檚 three days to settle in, three weeks until they害羞草研究所檙e feeling safe, starting to show their personality, and then three months until they害羞草研究所檙e completely safe.害羞草研究所�
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.
害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 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害羞草研究所檙e getting a cat. So really doing your research is important.害羞草研究所�
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 said.
害羞草研究所淐ats are a little bit more independent, whereas dogs take a little bit more work, training, adapting, you have to be prepared to exercise and stimulates their brains.害羞草研究所�
Hamil said that if a parent is thinking about getting their child a present, it will most likely be the mum and dad responsible for feeding, walking and any vet bills that might arise.
害羞草研究所淩esearch, educate and ensure that whoever receives that present is prepared.害羞草研究所�
