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Health & Fitness

Should You Give A Pet For Christmas?

Generally those of us in the animal rescue business discourage giving pets as a gift at Christmas. It is based on the fact we have seen pets tdumped us or the shelter just 30 or 60 days after Christmas, when the reality of taking care of a puppy or kitten overwhelms some people.

Some rescue groups and shelters also have a long held belief  that animals not specifically chosen by their new owners may be considered less valuable.

This belief, however, is actually counter to research by the ASPCA and other experts in the animal-welfare field. In 2013, the ASPCA surveyed people who had received their pets as gifts in order to learn more about their attachment to – and the retention of – that pet. We also explored the difference in those factors for those that obtained their gifted pet as a surprise. Our research found there is no correlation between getting an animal as a gift and an owner's love and attachment to the pet – even if that pet was a surprise gift – and no increased risk of relinquishment for dogs and cats received as gifts.​

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Our belief is to be very careful in this decision. Unless someone has expressed a strong interest in owning a pet - and can financially and emotionally care for it do not give a pet for Christmas.

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