Home for the Holidays is the theme this year at the Saskatoon SPCA. Executive Director Patricia Cameron says there is a common misconception that pets given as gifts are often returned to the shelter. But she says that is not the case, in fact there has been significant research done on the practice of giving pets as a present. She stresses you have to ensure that the person you are giving-to wants the pet and can provide the proper long term commitment to care. And when that step has been taken, those adoptions turn out really well.
Cameron also points out that getting a pet for free via an acquaintance or the internet may seem like a deal but it will cost a lot more in the long run to have them spay or neutered, get their shots, and micro chipping , compared to the adoption fee you pay from the SPCA. That adoption fee comes with all of those perks plus any other health issues like dental care and de-worming, will already have been dealt with.
And if a new pet isn’t an option in your household, the SPCA is also encouraging people to sponsor the adoption of a homeless pet. There are 200 homeless pets at the SPCA currently waiting to find a forever home.