This is why it’s a bad idea to give pets as Christmas presents

Don’t give pets as presents

Pets never make good Christmas gifts and should never be bought on a whim or given as a surprise. Don’t forget the famous Dogs Trust slogan: “A Dog is For Life, Not Just For Christmas.”  It makes far more sense to wait until the New Year, after the seasonal festivities have run their course, before welcoming a new friend-for-life into your home. The simple idea of giving a sentient creature as a commodity is wrong: they cannot be put to the back of the cupboard when you’re bored with them.

Additionally, there is a high cost involved in keeping a pet, and it isn’t fair to impose this on someone else. Or if you are buying one for your family, you need to pause and work out if you can afford the sums needed.

Think about the cost of keeping a pet

Set up costs

Cost of a pedigree puppy averages from €250- €1200 depending on breed or pedigree

Neutering (depends on whether male or female & Weight) €100 – €250

Primary vaccinations €60 each

Microchip €35 – 50

So initial costs €400 – 700

but this can be as little as €150 total if you take a pet from a rescue group

Collars, beds, toys, treats all extra!

Ongoing costs

Annual health check and booster vaccine €45 – 55

Annual flea and worming treatment €50 – 300 depending

Vet Consultation (without medication) €45 – 50 if falls ill – average once a year

Boarding Kennels €10-20 per day – 2 weeks holidays €210 – 280

Food – €15+ per week = €750 plus per year

Pet Insurance €120 to €300 annually

Total annual amount €800 minimum (if healthy, no boarding) to over €1700

A better idea: Wait till the New Year, then get a rescued dog

It’s far better to wait until after the festive season when introducing a new pet in the home.  Adopt a dog from the ISPCA, a local rescue centre or your local dog pound. Researching the right pet for your family is very important as is ensuring you have adequate time and financial resources to care for your new pet responsibly. Pets adopted from rescue groups will be health-checked, vaccinated, neutered/spayed, parasite treated and microchipped.

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