It smells of gingerbread and cinnamon stars, the candles are lit on the Christmas tree, the room is filled with children's laughter and music: Christmas is a family celebration. That makes Christmas Eve the perfect time to welcome a new family member, right? After all, many children want nothing more than a four-legged playmate.
However, dogs, cats, rabbits and the like are completely unsuitable as Christmas gifts. Unlike a sweater or a toy, you can't just exchange them. You take on a lot of responsibility, which is why the purchase should be well thought out in advance.
Beware of spontaneous purchases
The employees of the animal shelters complain every year that pets are bought carelessly before Christmas and then given back after the holidays or even abandoned. By the following summer at the latest, many animal shelters have seen a noticeable increase in the number of animals that have been donated or found, when furry friends are hastily given away at Christmas. In order to prevent this development, more and more animal shelters are completely stopping animal placement before the holidays.
Of course, animal shelters keep a close eye on who wants to adopt an animal, but the signal has to be set especially at Christmas:
An animal is a living being - not something that can be ticked off a wish list and, if in doubt, even exchanged!
So keep your hands off spontaneous and surprise purchases. The decision for an animal should always be well informed and well thought out, in consultation with everyone involved.
cost of an animal's life
Parents should be aware that they have to take care of their animal roommates on their own - no matter how much the kids promise in advance that they will go for a walk every day or clean the rabbit hutch on their own.
Another important factor is the financial outlay. An average dog's life spans between ten and 15 years, depending on the breed and size. Owners should expect costs totaling CHF 40,000 to 60,000. Cats can live up to 16 or even 20 years and cost an average of 20,000 francs.
Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs may be cheaper to keep, but they too have needs that need to be met for a lifetime. And most small animals should not be kept alone.
If an animal then has an illness, accident or food intolerance, the costs increase again.
Families should always decide together whether it is possible to care for a four-legged roommate for the whole animal's life - whereby the responsibility naturally lies with the adults. Who takes care of the fur nose during the holiday season ? Are there pet dander allergies in the family? These and other important questions must be answered before a dog, cat or rabbit gang can move in. One more reason why pets are completely useless as a plush Christmas surprise.
Joint visit to the animal shelter
But even if the new owners are sufficiently informed and are seriously willing to take on the lifelong care of a fur nose, the turbulent holidays are a bad time to start. Responsible animal lovers should postpone the arrival of their new darling until mid or late January, when the festive hustle and bustle has subsided and everyday life has returned.
If you are already quite sure that a pet will enrich family life in the new year, you can, for example, give away a self-made voucher for a visit to the animal shelter. After Christmas, the employees are happy to take the time to give interested parties comprehensive advice and to find the perfect animal roommate.
Alternatively, animal lovers can give away advice books so that young and old can find out about the needs of the four-legged family member. A lovingly packaged accessory such as a dog leash or a cat toy fuels the anticipation of the newcomer, who is to be welcomed into the family circle after the holidays.
Donations for animal welfare
Unfortunately, not every animal lover has the opportunity to offer a fur nose a permanent home - be it because the living conditions are unsuitable, because the financial means are lacking or because the free time is simply too limited. In this case, it is in the interests of animal welfare not to have your own dog or cat. Fortunately, there are other ways to express your love for animals, such as adopting an animal, donating to an animal welfare organization , or becoming a member of an animal welfare organization. All three options are suitable as original Christmas gifts for animal lovers. Because the valuable work of the animal shelters is supported by sponsorships, donations in kind and money as well as the annual fees of the supporting members. After all, it is their committed employees who are at the stele when countless dogs, cats and small animals are given away after Christmas. When everyday work starts again after the holidays and there is no more time for walks or when the rabbit you gave away has become just as uninteresting as the new toy.
With a donation to the local animal shelter you can help the animals directly. You can also donate to the Animal Welfare Association as the umbrella organization; they distribute the money to animal shelters in need and support other animal welfare projects for our fellow creatures.
A donation for animals in need or (unintentionally) creating new animal suffering through a thoughtlessly purchased pet: the decision as to which Christmas present makes the most sense should not be too difficult for true animal lovers.
