| |
Companion Animals as Gifts?
Responsible Pet Ownership Requires Thoughtful Consideration
By Brian Devine
Chairman, CEO and President
PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.
San Diego, CA November 20, 2000 - Bounding down the steps
on Christmas morning, the children notice a wriggling box
with holes poked in the sides.
Cautiously, they inch collectively toward the package and
begin to quickly unwrap it. As the lid opens, out pops a squirming
brown and white puppy with one ear tipped forward. Giggling
and screaming, the children roll on the floor amongst wrapping
paper and ribbon with their cuddly new companion. The perfect
present!
The scene is familiar. It's one that's reenacted millions
of times each year across the country. And as warm and wonderful
as this vision is, I caution against anyone considering giving
a companion animal as a gift for several reason.
Responsible pet ownership means asking yourself (or the person
whom you are considering giving a companion animal) a few
key questions:
- Are there financial resources to take care of the
companion animal, such as a budget for vet care and
proper nutrition? Daily care doesn't cost a whole
lot, but unforeseen health emergencies can cost several
hundred dollars.
- Have they read about and know the basic needs of
the pet being considered? Libraries and pet stores
carry books and pamphlets. A veterinarian can also
answer many questions. Know all about the companion
animal's needs before making a decision.
- Have they considered the time it takes to exercise
the pet to keep it healthy? Dogs need space to move
and run or should be walked regularly. Cats can be
exercised with a string or often having a feline playmate
can provide much-needed exercise.
- Who will be responsible for the companion animal's
primary care (daily feeding, fresh water, exercise,
etc.)?
- Who will take care of the companion animal when
the caregiver is away from home for long periods of
time? Determine who among pet sitters, kennels, friends
or family might consider watching the pet while you
are gone.
- One final thing to consider is that the holiday's
are usually hectic and full of presents, food and
people. This can be stressful to an animal trying
to adjust to its new surroundings.
|
In addition to these most basic considerations, it is important
that the potential pet owner have the opportunity to handpick
his or her pet based on one's own personality as well as that
of the pet.
I recommend that if you want to give a companion animal as
a gift, take the potential pet owner to a local shelter to
hand-select his or her pet after the holiday rush is over.
You, in turn can hint at their soon-to-be present with PETCO
gift certificates. That way everyone can share in the positive
experience of pet ownership.
(PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc., is a national
chain of approximately 530 pet food and supply stores in 40
states and the District of Colombia. Devine's family includes
three cats....Edward, Dweezil and Pokey.)
|
www.dogandkennel.com
