The
Pet's Life.
Don’t
give a pet as a gift without being absolutely sure the person wants
one. If they don’t,
you will end up with a pet you may not want.
Commitment:
Cats, dogs and yes, rabbits – live up to 10 years or
more. They are a long-term commitment and take time and money to care for
properly.
Pets
are not toys.
Children
can lose interest. Once a child looses interest, the pet is ignored or taken to a shelter or worse.
This isn’t a good lesson for kids.
Compatibility:
Animal personalities are as different as
people. Some pets
don’t suit some people. This is
why people need to choose their own pet since they need to be compatible.
A pet is a member of a family.
Right
Home:
Pets
need to be right for the home.
If
it is a rabbit, the house needs to be bunny-proofed since rabbits need
time out for exercise.
My rabbits have complete run of my apartment and if they wanted to,
they could do a lot of damage and they look so innocent.
Rosemary as a 3 1/2 month old bunny was like having a kangaroo in the
house for the first month until she was spayed! Just think what an aggressive rabbit, cat or dog could do to
your house if you're not prepared.
Pets
Need Attention.
If
you have a full-time career or a full-time family already, it may not be
the right time to get a pet. During
the holidays young pets can get ignored in the shuffle of relatives and
errands. They need attention and care.
Many animals are very social and need to live as pairs especially
rabbits. Bonded pairs are what
HopperHome recommends to all rabbit owners - two rabbits to keep each
other company.
Other
Pets in Home:
Pets need to be compatible with each other.
If you already have a pet or the recipient of your pet gift already
has a pet, buy their pet a gift instead.
Pets aren’t always compatible even within the same species.
There is also a period of adjustment and this can take months even
between cats.
Pets
Must Be Spayed or Neutered.
Don’t ever give a gift that “keeps on
giving.” Shelters are filled with animals no one wants.
