Christmas can be a great time to welcome a new addition to the family in the form of a furry friend, and if you want to include animal welfare in your yuletide this year, here are a few things to consider ...
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A surprise is never a good idea
We're all familiar with the message - a pet is for life, not just for Christmas - and at the RSPCA we certainly do discourage giving a loved one a pet as a surprise Christmas gift.
While studies have shown that the care a person gives their pet isn't determined by how the animal came into their lives, it's still important that the prospective pet owner has the chance to thoroughly consider how their new pet will fit into their lives, as well as the chance to meet and fall in love with the animal that's right for them.
If you did want your gift to have the element of surprise, and you know the person has already expressed a strong desire for a pet and they will be a responsible pet owner, make your present a gift voucher to the RSPCA or a visit to the local adoption centre.
This will give your friend or family member a chance to go through the adoption process themselves, which includes education about animal care and responsible pet ownership.
... a pet is for life, not just for Christmas ...
Welcoming a new pet at Christmas
If you've carefully considered the decision to bring a new pet into your home, Christmas can be a good time to adopt.
You might be more likely to be spending time at home, which is great to help introduce a new pet as they get used to unfamiliar sights and smells.
Christmas is also a busy time at RSPCA animal care centres so it is a good chance to meet the animal that's right for you.
As is the case at any time of the year, before adopting you should consider:
- What sort of pet do you want?
- Can you cover all of the financial costs involved with pet ownership?
- Is your home safe, secure and suitable, and what happens if you have to move?
- Do you have time to train, socialise and play with your new pet?
Luckily there are lots of resources available to help you make the right decision, including our RSPCA Smart Puppy and Dog Buyer's Guide if you're thinking of getting a dog.
The summer weather can also make things easier. Toilet training a puppy, for example, is much more pleasant in the summer than in the cold of winter.
But remember not to exercise your new pet in the middle of the day when the temperature is at its hottest, and provide plenty of cool water and cool places to rest.
And of course, never, ever leave them in a hot car.
Remember at Christmas time, there can also be things around that are unsettling for a new pet, such as fireworks and unfamiliar people coming to the house.
Watch out for Christmas food that is toxic to pets (like chocolate), as well as other household dangers such as tinsel and toxic plants.
Other ways to help animals this holiday season
If you're not ready to adopt a pet, there are lots of other ways to spread Christmas cheer and help animals at the same time.
An RSPCA Guardian Angel gift card makes a great present - you'll be able to help an animal in the care of the RSPCA through your donation, and your loved one will be able to see who your donation is helping.
If you already have a pet or know someone who does, why not get them a gift like a toy or pet-friendly food treat? Everyone deserves to open presents at Christmas, not just the humans!
There are also lots of RSPCA products (including Christmas cards and calendars) available at World for Pets.
From all of us at the RSPCA, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to continuing to help Australian animals in 2021.
