A Christmas gift to the pet community

Oh, that puppy face in the store window... We've all seen it, we've all felt our heart melting and we've all cooed at that irresistible furry ball.  At this time of the year, some of us may give in and decide to adopt a dog or cat for Christmas as a gift to the family. Instead of making an impulse decision, here are two elements to consider if you want to ensure this will be a gift for your family and for your pet as well. 

A good match 

Ask questions about the pet you're about to adopt. Does he or she match your tastes and lifestyle? What do you know about this breed and the unique personality of this animal? If this is your first pet, you may want to consult your friends and family, or the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle, to find out more about what it takes to be a good family for a dog or cat. 

Also, please don't choose a pet as a surprise gift for a friend or family member. Each person and animal has their own needs, and a pet is not an exchangeable good that you can return on a whim. Instead, why not give out a gift certificate from the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle or from a reputable breeder? 

A reliable source 

Make sure the pet you choose comes from a reputable source, such as a well known shelter or a professional breeder. What many don't know is that by buying an animal from a pet shop or through an ad, you could be financing a cruel business. Some of these animals come directly from puppy or kitty mills, where living conditions are not a gift to the pet community. Nobody knows exactly how many of these mills operate in Quebec. What we do know is that there are far too many unqualified breeders in our province. They keep animals in small cages piled up in sheds, garages, basements, back yards, etc. These animals' basic needs aren't met and they breed until exhaustion. 

The cute puppies in the store window or in an unqualified breeder's home may have been groomed the day before in order to make them look more attractive. However, the poor living conditions they may have been subjected to can lead to health and behaviour problems that will last a lifetime. As a matter of fact, each year, many of them are abandoned and end up in shelters. 

So if you want to make a gift to the animal community at this time of the year, please don't adopt on impulse and choose an animal from a well established shelter like the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle, whose prices also include sterilization and the first set of vaccines, or from a reputable breeder who will gladly show you where and how they operate. This will ensure a happy holiday to all!

Come visit us at the SPCA LL at www.spcall.ca or in person at 355, Demontigny St. in Ste. Agathe, or give us a call at (819) 326-4059. We'll be happy to help you choose a pet. 

Our best holiday wishes to all from the team at the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle!