Giving away a pet at Christmas is not a good idea. On the contrary, it is irresponsible to think that a living being is just another gift to add to our belongings. A dog or a cat is not a diversion for a few hours, but a responsibility for a lifetime. Animals require a certain investment and the necessary care to guarantee their well-being, recall specialized organizations and animalists.
The figures are not encouraging. According to a study by the Affinity Foundation, the Spanish protectors collected around 285,000 dogs and cats throughout the state last year, a figure similar to that of previous years and which the organizations consider dramatic. Christmas is a critical time for animals: consumption increases and some consider giving away a pet on these dates, thinking that this will be the most original.
In this sense, the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE) launched a Christmas campaign with the slogan ‘I am not a gift, I am for life’ to raise awareness that dogs are another member of the family. The objective is to make an appeal to make households aware that incorporating a dog into their lives should not be a whimsical decision, but that it is accompanied by duties so that the animal enjoys a full and satisfying life.
The Franz Weber Foundation has also called for the use of animals as Christmas gifts to be avoided. The naturalists indicate in a statement that the acquisition of living beings is not limited only to cats and dogs, since there are more and more purchases related to rodents, exotic or marine animals whose care is equally or more demanding. In addition, from the foundation they warn that the traceability of many of these “gifts” is practically nil, since their identification is not mandatory in the vast majority of situations, and that favors their abandonment.
If we find ourselves in the position of receiving a dog as a gift, the organizations ask us to think it over and analyze various issues. The first, which implies responsibility, time and money. Daily walks, grooming routines (bath, brushing, nail clipping and teeth cleaning), as well as playtime and socialization with other dogs, are aspects that will be part of living together for many years.
From Purina, they remember that you also have to add expenses such as the microchip, the administration of vaccines, deworming, sterilization, specific food for the different stages of your life or veterinary visits that may occur.
If it is a cat, the first thing to assess is whether we really meet the necessary conditions to live with a cat. Despite the fact that cats are more independent pets than dogs, they also need attention, affection and time, factors that can condition your rhythm or habitual lifestyle for more than 15 years.
If we are considering starting an adoption process, we must follow some guidelines so that the foster care comes to fruition. From Purina they recommend five steps for responsible adoption:
