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The holidays are a stressful time and not the best to introduce a new pet into the home. (Photo Holly Miyasaki)
By Holly Miyasaki
While giving a pet as a gift for Christmas seems like a win-win situation, it’s actually not and is frowned upon by the SPCA.
“We need forever homes, not weekend homes for the animals,” says Jim Inglis, the Kelowna SPCA’s branch manager.
The shelter used to have a problem with locals returning pets after the holidays, but has seen a decrease in such activity since changing it rules regarding gifting pets.
“What happens now is that people start looking for pets as gifts,” says Inglis. “We don’t recommend surprising someone with an animal they’ve not prepared to take into their home as a lifetime pet.”
For those still wishing to give the gift of a forever home, the SPCA offers gift vouchers covering all adoption costs. This way imminent owners can visit the SPCA and pick out their new best friend after the holiday season has passed its high point.
“It’s an exciting time and quite often you get the initial surprise,” says Inglis. “There’s so much going on over the holidays it’s difficult to look after the needs of that pet.”
Animals don't want to be gifts for the holidays. (Photo Holly Miyasaki)
If you want to find the perfect gift for an animal lover you might want to try a donation to an animal welfare group like the SPCA, the World Wildlife Fund or ZooCheck Canada.
These groups often offer different ways to donate, whether it be through branded merchandise or direct donations to their programs.
In time for the holiday and gift giving season, the SPCA is offering its Pawsitive Gifts program.
“Just visit pawsitivegifts.ca where for as little as $10, you can make a real difference in the life of a homeless animal,” says Lise Brown, the development officer in charge of annual giving for the BC SPCA. “It’s a great way to avoid crowded shopping malls and do something special at the same time.”
Pawsitive Gifts are both ethical and economical, notes Brown. Donors who make secure online donations are issued tax receipts by email, which saves the non-profit BC SPCA the cost of producing and mailing tax receipts. That means more money goes toward caring for the animals.
“In the past few years, we’ve seen a growing trend toward ethical gift-giving,” says Brown. “During this economic downturn, ethical gift-giving is even more critical, as organizations like the BC SPCA are increasingly called upon to care for the most vulnerable in our society.”
Pawsitive Gifts range from $10 to $300 and include puppy food for a week ($10), the certified welfare of 10 pigs ($12), horse care for a day ($20), one day of otter care, one week of duckling care or the certified welfare of six dairy cows ($25), a cat neuter ($75) and an independent inspection of an SPCA Certified member farm ($300).
So, whether you want to give the gift of four feet and a wet nose, or a donation to helping dairy cows, there’s always a better option than bringing home a new pet during what can be a stressful and busy time.
entertainment@kelowna.com
Tags: bcspca, christmas gift pets, pets, SPCA, zoocheck
