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PETS FOR CHRISTMAS

Kamloops SPCA encourages preparation before picking up a pet as a Christmas gift

Dec 20, 2019 | 2:49 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s the time of year when people are getting their last-minute Christmas gifts.

If a pet is on your list of gifts to pick up this holiday season, there are a few things to consider.

The Kamloops BC SPCA encourages anyone looking to adopt a pet for Christmas to discuss it first with the recipient.

Animal Care Supervisor Sarah Gerow says it’s also important to note that an animal is a big-time commitment, and could require a great deal of work.

“Just think about cost, for one,” Gerow said. “Vet care and food in general, costs are rising. Also, consider the lifetime of a pet too. If it’s a dog or a cat, the animal might live for 15 to 20 years, so what’s your situation going to be in that time period?”

Christmas is also a busy time of year, and for some, it may not be the best time to introduce a pet into the home.

If you have the time to properly care for an adopted animal, the house should be prepped for its arrival.

“Depending again on the type of animal you want, younger animals are more into everything, so you’ll want to take some considerations into that,” Gerow said. “Any wires or anything that they might be able to get into, you’ll want to have them up high.”