Before you rush out to the pet shop, stop and think

Published on Saturday 5 December 2009 09:41

PETS bought as presents can be a recipe for disaster, with animals often neglected and owners left counting the cost of a badly chosen pet, according to veterinary charity PDSA.

"We all know the expression 'a dog is for life, not just for Christmas' but people continue to buy pets as gifts at this time of year," said Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury. "We see the results of unwise pet choices every year, and it often starts when someone decides to get a pet as a present.

"This is never a good idea because buying a pet is a serious commitment. Pets can make a wonderful addition to a home, but people need to think carefully to avoid making mistakes which can prove very costly, both emotionally and financially, for pets and owners alike."

Here, based on years of experience, PDSA vets name the most common reasons why people buy a pet as a Christmas gift:

"I want one. Oh please"

All parents understand pester power. Children are very persuasive when they have their heart set on a pet. It's natural to want to please them but this should not cloud the realities of pet ownership. Children under 16 aren't legally responsible for meeting the pet's needs – adults are.

"It will teach children responsibility"

A good intention but children can lose interest quickly. Parents are then left with the daily responsibility of checking the hamster's water bottle or cleaning out the rabbit hutch.

"It will be good company for grandad"

He might not want the company. The average lifespan of the pet needs to be considered too. Dogs and cats can live to 15 or over. Some pets, such as parrots, live as long as we do.

"It's so cute!"

Puppies and kittens grow up and may not stay cute. More importantly, they are living beings, not accessories. They need time and commitment, as well as money spent on them. Pet ownership involves costs and responsibilities such as microchipping, neutering, vaccinations, worming and flea treatments.

Vets bills, pet insurance and cattery or kennel fees when owners go on holiday all need to be factored in too.

"A rabbit won't need much looking after"

Wrong. Despite being the UK's third most popular pet, the welfare needs of domestic rabbits are widely misunderstood.

Most are forced to live alone whereas they really need the company of another rabbit. Many are fed an inappropriate diet with not enough fibre which can lead to painful dental disease.

More than 80 per cent of pet rabbits are kept in hutches that are too small – consider that in the wild, rabbits have a home territory that can be the size of 30 tennis courts.

"A dog is good for protection"

A family dog should be chosen for companionship and suitability in the normal household environment and not solely for the purposes of protection. Dogs used for protection can be a danger to others and themselves.

"I just love this breed"

You may like the look of a particular breed of dog, but do you know what it needs for a healthy, happy life? Some breeds need at least two hours of exercise every day. Can you provide that? Some breeds may be prone to particular health problems, which can be very distressing and expensive.

"I can give a good home to a rescue dog"

Perhaps, but first you should stop and think PETS, a four-step formula to ensure animals and prospective owners are well-matched. PETS' four steps are:

Place: which type of pet is appropriate for where you live?

Exercise: can you provide the type and amount of daily exercise required?

Time: can you devote enough time to your pet?

Spend: can you afford the lifetime expense of your preferred pet?

"We already have a cat. It would benefit from a companion"

Always think carefully before getting a new cat to accompany an existing one. Cats often prefer to be kept on their own and can become stressed if another pet is introduced to the household.

"I'm working and can afford a pet"

What would happen if your circumstances changed, though? Pets cost money so it's important to be able to afford to look after them, but an owner's time is just as important too. Dogs, for example, shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time. Providing their daily exercise takes time, as does training them properly.

One last thing – providing for your pet is now a legal requirement covered by the Animal Welfare Act. Animal owners must ensure five key needs are met:

&#149 A suitable environment.

&#149 A suitable diet.

&#149 An ability to perform normal behaviour.

&#149 The need to live with – or apart from – other animals, depending on the type of pet it is.

&#149 To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.