Reconsider that cute, furry gift

Whangarei SPCA staff are urging people not to gift surprise pets this Christmas. Clockwise from top left are: Sue McDonald, Andrea Honeybun, Tracy Thomas, Kylie Small, Ari van Sinton, Morita Bell with Awhi the dog. Photo/John Stone.

Attention Christmas shoppers: If it has four paws and a tail, stop and think about it before buying it as a gift.

Surprise pets do not make for great Christmas presents, says the Whangarei SPCA.

"A pet is not just for Christmas, it's for the life of the animal," says Whangarei SPCA Centre promotions person Sue McDonald. "It's a 12-year-plus commitment and the person you are giving the gift to, they haven't actually made that commitment."

Whangarei SPCA team leader Andrea Honeybun says the most common unwanted Christmas animals coming to the SPCA are puppies and kittens. Some kittens even turn up with the new scratchposts, litterboxes, toys and collars they came with.

"You need to check first. Do they actually want the animal? Pets are a long-term commitment; they aren't disposable," Ms Honeybun said. A better option would be gift vouchers, which are available at the Whangarei SPCA.

"You need to choose your own pet and the animals need to pick their owner. It needs to like you," Ms Honeybun said.

The Whangarei SPCA is already starting to see an influx of kittens, which means the organisation urgently requires tinned kitten food.

Tins can be placed under the Christmas tree at Whangarei SPCA. People can also text 8589 to make a $3 donation.