With less than a month to go before Christmas Day, here’s what you need to know if you’re to gift a pet a new home, plus seven tips for success.
Opinions about pet ownership are constantly changing.
The old dog dominance theory – that says pet dogs have a pack mentality and owners should be the alpha dog – has long been debunked. Letting animals sleep on the bed is no longer taboo.
Some shelters are even advocating this time of year can actually be a good thing for both the animal and the new family, as everyone is home to help the new pet settle in.
A pet at Christmas, or a voucher for pet adoption at a shelter, can be a good idea – so long as it is not a surprise present.
Data supports the fact that no spike in the number of surrendered pets in the months immediately after Christmas, and indeed very few surrenders seen throughout the year because of a pet being an unwanted gift.
This finding agrees with surveys that found no significant association between receiving a pet as a gift and relinquishment soon afterward.
Although the number of cats entering shelters spikes annually between November and January, this is because of kitten season.
This is the time of the year when non-desexed female cats give birth to coincide with increased warmth and availability of food. This phenomenon placing huge pressure on staff and resources at shelters due to the flood in kittens.
To help stop the enormous number of unwanted cats and dogs entering shelters, it is really important to desex your animal (especially cats before kitten season).
There is a misconception that most animals end up at shelters for behavioral problems or medical issues. One of the most common reasons for pet surrender in Our country is a lack of pet-friendly rental accommodation.
Additionally, with the rise in increased awareness of cruelty against animals, eg, websites like One Green Planet, shelters get notified about the often horrific conditions the animals are kept in. These animals then end up in shelters.
We encourage all families considering adopting a cat or dog to visit their local pound or shelter. Sadly, it is estimated more than thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized annually in South Africa. Some do try to rehome unwanted animals.
Pet ownership is a wonderfully rewarding experience, with many studies showing pet owners have improved physical and mental health and are more social
So if you are considering adopting a pet this Christmas, here are some tips to consider:
So, if you’re ready to make the commitment, go on, visit your local shelter and make this Christmas one to remember for you or the owner of the newly adopted pet.
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