The ISPCA is issuing a reminder that pets do not make good gifts and should never be bought on a whim or given as a surprise at any time of year.  

The charity have re-released a thought provoking video called #PuppyDotCon, previously issued by the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG), of which the ISPCA is a founding member, which demonstrates how easy it is to be fooled by unscrupulous dog breeders and highlights the dangers of buying a pet after responding to an online advert.

Any new puppy, kitten or even an adult pet placed in a new home during the busy festive season can find the process very stressful, especially young puppies separated from their siblings.

What any new pet really needs is a quiet, calm, safe home where routines can be established straight away so everyone has a good start and can easily adjust to new surroundings. 

During the Christmas festivities is not the best time to introduce a new pet in your home says the ISPCA.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ISPCA (@ispca_official) on

ISPCA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andrew Kelly said: “Responsible pet owners understand the commitment involved in owning a pet but in the lead up to Christmas, it can be easy to give in to pressure from Children looking to get a new puppy or a kitten.

"The ISPCA is asking parents to reconsider giving a pet as a gift this Christmas as taking on a pet is a long-term commitment that can affect your life for the next 15 years so it needs to be a well thought out decision with all the family. Pets do not make good gifts and should never be given as a surprise at any time of year”.

Andrew added:  “There are a number of unscrupulous puppy breeders who cater for the Christmas market and is important to do your research and have adequate time and financial resources to care for a pet responsibly.  This year, the ISPCA is asking animal lovers to consider giving the gift of feeding a dog or puppy, a cat or kitten at one of the three ISPCA animal centres this Christmas.

"When you purchase a Thoughtful Gift from the ISPCA Shop, you will be helping many rescued animals in need this Christmas. 100% of profits from merchandise sales will go towards funding our life-saving work. You can also sign up to become an ISPCA volunteer or help out your local rescue centre this Christmas”.

"It’s not the case that on Stephen’s Day we see an influx of abandoned animals", said Andrew.  "We do see a problem later in the spring and summer months when puppies may have lost their ‘cute appeal’ when they might have started picking up bad habits due to the lack of attention, training, exercise and socialisation."

The charity recommends that you wait until after the festive season and go to the ISPCA for advice where expert staff will ensure that you and your new pet are a suitable match. Pets adopted from the ISPCA National Animal Centre will be health-checked, vaccinated, neutered or spayed and microchipped and the Centre is open to visitors Wednesday to Sunday from 11am – 4pm daily (Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). 

As a charitable organisation, the ISPCA relies on public support for approximately 88% of funds which they receive through donations enabling us to continue our vital work rescuing animals that need help and rehabilitation costs are expensive. If you can this Christmas, please make a donation to support our work here.