Talk to the Animals: A warning about pets as presents

Pets are not just for Christmas, they are forever. Photo / Thinkstock

Parents often ask my advice on the best pet for a child. I have a feeling that the expected answer is an animal that's 'easy care' or worse; 'hardy' which is code for able to withstand a degree of neglect. Instead, and probably somewhat annoyingly, I deliver a lecture on how the best pet is one that is wanted, well researched, prepared for and has an adult as a backup carer to ensure its wellbeing.

With Christmas upon us there will undoubtedly be some animals thrust into the noise and excitement of the day, with their novelty value decreasing as fast as it takes them to produce the first 'accident' in need of clean up.

My opinion on pets as presents is fairly clear; however I wondered how those at the coalface dealt with the issue. I popped into my local pet store to see how they managed well meaning parents intent on unleashing Christmas on unsuspecting animals. The answer I received from one of a chain of large stores was truly shocking - their company policy is not to sell pets as gifts! This outrageously sensible policy restored my faith in large scale pet stores, even in the face of the high cost of maintaining a retail presence, and the hierarchical nature of the 'head office' environment, they managed to put the welfare of the animals in their care at the top of the list on this issue. Well done!

Once I got over my initial shock at this revelation and fought off the urge to hug the staff, I composed myself enough to ask how this is managed in store.

"All family members responsible for a pet must sign a form on adoption" she says.

Apparently enforcing the policy is not difficult as most people considering a small pet like a rabbit or mouse will bring in the young recipient to be involved in the purchase and choosing.

"Dogs and cats are family pets," she says, and are not bought for a child.

Some of the more cynical amongst you will conclude that it would be easy enough to lie about the intended owner of said pet to circumvent this policy. As a former pet store owner myself, I found that most people mean well and are honest about their intentions. There are always issues when dealing with the public however, with my most memorable experience being a family that staged a 'sit in' when I refused to sell them a rabbit until they had obtained proper housing for it. Their argument being that if they had lied to me I would have sold them the rabbit anyway. It is hard to reason with such wisdom.

Like most things, there are always exceptions and some pets received at Christmas will go on to be much loved family members. If you are intent on bringing furry festivities to the day, the following guidelines may help make it a success.

• Don't try and hide pets in boxes before the big day.

• Consider purchasing books and DVDs about a pet that interests your child and that you are prepared to adopt once the prospective owner can demonstrate an understanding of its care.

• Make an 'adoption certificate' for a new pet, complete with a care agreement outlining specific feeding, cleaning, and exercise regimes that must be agreed to and signed by the child and overseen by you.

• Do away with the surprise factor so that children have had the opportunity to research a new pet and be properly set up for its arrival.

• As the one ultimately responsible for the wellbeing of pets in the home, make sure you are fully informed, prepared and willing to monitor the care of a pet as well as stepping in where necessary - and it will be necessary.

• Be aware of just what it is you are giving- a life that is totally dependent on the whim of a child, and needs holiday care, veterinary treatment, time, companionship, exercise, food, housing, cleaning and consistent attention.

• Give the housing and accessories on Christmas day and collect the pet the next day when things are a little less manic.

Finally, take heed of the wise message from animal welfare organisations that are often the final recipients of animal gifting gone bad; pets are not just for Christmas, they are forever.