One of the most popular movements around the holiday season is advertising against giving animals as gifts.
Often, the recipients are not prepared to properly care for the pet they receive. However, I find that it’s not just during the holiday season that people have the tendency to take on animals they are not prepared to care for. It is far too common for people to buy pets for the novelty or “quirkiness” that comes with owning certain animals-only to find they are not responsible or equipped enough to care for the animal fully.
Thorough research should always be done before adopting any animal, be it as classic as a puppy or more exotic like a snake. If you are tempted to impulsively buy an animal-dont. No matter how much you may want that cute puppy, take a step back and really think. Do your current living arrangements allow for that pet to live comfortably? Do some research before adopting the pet. Animals are not a “figure it out along the way”
type of responsibility. You must ensure you are properly equipped to give an animal it’s maximum quality of live. Simply being alive is not the same thing as thriving. Are you fully informed on all of it’s habitat requirements? Can you afford to pay for its food, vet bills, equipment and any other expenses it may have? Animals are not a one time buy, they are living creatures whose needs change throughout life just as humans do. Medication, food, and proper living space are all requirements you, as the owner, are agreeing to fulfil when you take on the responsibility of owning a pet. The first set up you have for an animal may not be enough, or it may not be what the animal prefers. You must be prepared to have to be flexible on buying things it needs and allowing it to settle in correctly. This living creature is trusting you to take care of it. An animal may only take up one small part of your life, but their entire existence depends on you. Not properly caring for an animal can bring it undue suffering because the owner was only thinking of the benefits they get from owning a pet and not realizing the fact that they are dealing with a live animal that feels pain and has needs.
It is important to assess your ability for caring for an animal before adopting it, as many shelters are already filled with animals and often times shelters aren't equipped to care for more exotic types. They need stability, security and care. Please consider this before buying a pet, and never, ever impulsively buy one. If you do the research for a puppy, don’t come home with a snake. Pets are a wonderful addition to a home and offer companionship, but be sure to give back to them all they give to you.
