LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Yearly, some folks get the concept to shock somebody with a brand new pet for Christmas, and yearly, shelters, rescues, and pet shops must cope with a well-known drawback.
Small animals are in style presents as a result of folks assume they are going to be much less work than a cat or a canine, however that is not at all times true—and they could be a little tougher to rehome than different pets. Fish, hamsters, and even spiders find yourself underneath the Christmas tree, and in lots of instances, they show to be an excessive amount of to deal with.
“Realistically what happens in those situations is those animals are in a detrimental situation,” says Kirbay Preuss, who works at Preuss Pets. “When you are gifting someone a pet like that, you’re gifting them all of the responsibility that’s going to come with that pet.”
Folks do not at all times know what to do with an undesirable pet, particularly if they do not at all times match the common description of a shelter pet like a canine or a cat.
In these conditions, your native pet retailer could be the best choice.
“We rescue in our reptile department as well as our small animal department, as well as our Aquatics department,” says Preuss. “I take the lead on any cases involving Ingham County Animal Control, and we are there to assist them when it comes to needing advice or support in the realm of exotic pets.”
Nevertheless, if you’re eager about including a brand new furry or scaly member to the household, pet specialists say it’s best to give your self the time to discover a habitat and toys forward of time so they’re able to go on the primary day and to study what your new animal wants.
“Every pickup today has been one where they came in two to four weeks ago, consulted with our staff, made an appointment, and then they came in today to actually get the animal after everything was set up and ready,” says Preuss.
For those who want a last-minute reward for somebody, as an alternative of shopping for them a brand new pet, the safer choice is at all times shopping for a brand new toy or deal with for a pet they have already got.
“Pets can be wonderful, but let’s make sure that we’re making responsible decisions,” says Preuss. “Let’s use the holiday to reward and shower those pets with all of the amazing things that they should have to thrive.”
For those who do try to give up a brand new pet at a retailer, it’s best to ask them in the event that they quarantine new animals, and in the event that they work with a veterinarian. These are indicators that it is a secure place to depart a pet for the following household that desires to take them to a endlessly dwelling.
Nevertheless, a very powerful reminder is: Do not buy somebody a brand new pet with out asking first.
