Each year many
dogs
and
cats are given as
Christmas gifts.
Acquired for the end of year celebrations… and abandoned a few months later.
This is the sad fate unfortunately experienced by many of them, victims of a hasty choice ...
To discover
True or false: fight against misconceptions about the garden
How to teach your dog to recall?
What are the water needs of a cat?
An animal is not a Christmas present
Usually,
the holiday season
marks a peak in dog and cat sales.
A purchase which is however not trivial.
As cute and adorable as they are,
pets
are not toys or objects but
sentient beings,
as specified in the new
article 515-14 of the Civil Code
.
The animal "
gift
" engages the new owner who will have to meet the needs of the animal throughout its life.
However, a dog can live up to 15 years and a cat up to 20 years.
The person to whom you think of giving the animal must therefore choose it themselves because they will share several years together.
Adopting a pet, cat or dog, therefore requires reflection and consultation with all members of the family.
Everyone must be ready to take their responsibilities towards the animal and organize themselves to ensure their well-being (holidays, travel, care, etc.).
It is also important to have the financial means to meet the needs of the animal (food, visits to the veterinarian, etc.).
Read alsoThe life expectancy of dogs and cats is increasing
Questions to ask yourself before adopting an animal
During the holiday season or not, the best way to know if you're ready to adopt a dog or cat in your home is to ask yourself the right questions.
Read alsoAdopt a kitten: 5 things to know before you start
What is the budget for an animal?
In addition to the adoption costs, an animal requires a
budget
.
Indeed, we must take into account the costs of food, grooming, veterinarian, or accessories (games).
In addition, a health budget can be expected, because some breeds are predisposed to hereditary diseases.
Am I sufficiently available to take care of an animal?
You also have to allow time.
If it's a dog, you will need to take it for a walk, exercise, play with it, train it, etc.
A cat may seem less time-consuming, but it will still ask you to give it time to play with it, change its litter ...
An animal is a living being and therefore needs attention and care in order to be happy and healthy.
Which pet to choose?
First,
think about what
type of dog or cat
is best for you: tall or small, long-haired or short-haired?
Read alsoWhich pet to choose?
It is also essential to learn about the
breed
.
Because each race has a character, and different specificities according to its lineage or its origins.
For example certain breeds of dogs are predisposed to live in the city and others in the countryside.
These questions will help you find the animal that best suits your lifestyle.
The solution to offer a risk-free animal
The decision is made and after careful consideration one of your relatives wishes to
adopt a pet
.
For Christmas, you can then offer to accompany him and cover the adoption costs.
Read alsoAdopt a puppy: 5 things to know before you start
They can also take the time to talk to professionals (breeders or shelter staff).
Here is a risk-free solution that allows the person wishing to adopt to have the choice and the time to reflect.
Adopting an animal commits you, it's a decision that you will have to think carefully. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the nearest refuge to you before starting. They can give you advice on the breed of dog and cat that suits you best.