With Christmas only 2 weeks away the GSPCA are asking all islanders not to give pets as presents this festive season.
Many pet stores and breeders are advertising animals for sale at this time of year and the GSPCA believes that any pet is a life long commitment and important decision. Owning a new pet means making a permanent commitment to care for and spend time with the animal and to provide for their lifelong care.
At the GSPCA we wind down rehoming animals as of the 14th December this year until the New Year. We are still open for viewings and certainly reserve animals for interested families and individuals, but unless there are extenuating circumstances the animals at the Shelter will remain here at the GSPCA until after the festive season is over.
It is a huge commitment in adopting animal and you have to consider the time and cost involved before adopting a new pet. Whether adopting a hamster that can live for 4 years, a dog for potential 10 to 20 years, a cat for over 20 years or even a parrot or tortoise which can possibly outlive their owner there are many costs attached to a new pet from feed to veterinary care.
Any new owner of a pet must ensure that all of the household are content with the potential animal coming to join the family. At the GSPCA this is an important part of the adoption process as we do have animals brought into the Shelter every year as a family member does not want a new animal in their home.
If you have small children in the household you must consider that they may unintentionally harm animals, even breaking their fragile bones or causing other injuries, when they think they are playing. Puppies, kittens, bunnies, chicks, hamsters, and other young animals are especially vulnerable.
Animal Shelters around the world often see an influx of animals coming into their care homes that gave them as presents give them away as the loss of interest sets in.
Please do not ever give an animal as a present.
If you have discussed the idea with the prospective recipients and know that they have the time, willingness, ability, and resources to properly care for an animal and make the very serious commitment, then please consider helping support them adopt an animal in need from the GSPCA or another rescue organisation.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager ‘We still get calls every year from around Guernsey at the GSPCA from people asking if they can have a kitten or animal to give as a Christmas present.’
‘Thankfully statistics show that pets as presents in the last 30 years have decrease considerably but there are still people out there that look to do this and those that give them away shortly after.’
‘We have many animals here at the GSPCA in need of good and loving homes and if anyone is serious in taking on a new pet then please do get in touch to start the process but we rarely rehome them over the festive season due to the difficulty in settling a new pet in what is a very disruptive time of year and many dangers to a new pet.’
‘Please remember that a pet is a life long commitment for all in the household and not just a whim to give on Christmas Day and that Christmas gifts should have meaning & not real feelings.’
To see pets in need at the GSPCA in Guernsey please go to www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our new online shop please click here.
There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.
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The following are events planned for 2013
Date | Event | For more details |
Details to follow | Bric-A-Brac, Clothes, Coffee & Snacks at the Shelter | |
Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm | Pet Supplies & GSPCA Goods on sale at the GSPCA Reception | |
December Thursdays | Late Night Shopping GSPCA Stall in town | |
16th to 21st December 2013 | Christmas Pop Up Shop on Smith Street thanks to OSA Recruitment | |
January 2014 | Start of the Animal Care Course with WEA at the GSPCA | |
To find out about how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, Events, our Cattery Appeal and much more please click here.
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