The Winnipeg Humane Society say pets should not be presents during holiday season
Posted December 10, 2024 4:55 pm.
Last Updated December 10, 2024 8:16 pm.
As tempting as it may be to gift a furry friend to your loved ones this Christmas, the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) is advising community members to hold off on giving pets as presents during the holiday season.
“Sometimes people might purchase an animal and then find out that it’s really not something they can handle,” said Daphne Hee, Adoption Manager at the WHS.
“We never really encourage people to purchase a pet as a gift because this is a long-term commitment,” she said. “A dog and a cat is over a decade’s commitment, it shouldn’t be emotional based … as a surprise.”
Hee explained adopting a pet is a life-changing decision and it’s important the people who are giving these animals a home are involved in the process.
She says to avoid pets being returned to the shelter after the holiday season, the humane society makes sure the person who will be caring for the animal is involved and goes through their screening process.
“We really do encourage people to think it through before you get an animal,” she said.
“It can be very excitable, who doesn’t want a pet in their life? But please, at the same time, understand you are responsible for a life now. So make this decision carefully.”
This holiday season has been busy for the humane society with 236 animals currently in the shelter and about 220 in foster care.
Hee says they’re always looking to find their animals a permanent home, but says for families who think they may be ready, but aren’t quite sure; fostering is the best option.
“Usually our foster periods start with two weeks,” she said. “If by two weeks, if you think this is not something you want to continue, simply return the animal back to us and we’ll find another foster to continue if that’s needed.”
