Television commercials and other media are already directly or tacitly promoting the gift of pets for Christmas. But while that gesture may bring squeals of delight and smiles on Christmas morning, people need to be aware of the commitment that comes with having a pet, both in terms of money and time.
According to the ASPCA, the cost of care for dogs can run between $20,000 and $55,000 (or more) over a typical 12-year lifespan. For cats, it’s $12,000 to $26,000 over 15 years. And this doesn’t account for possible emergencies or serious illnesses. Unlike a toy, you can’t put a pet on the shelf when you’re at school, work or engaged in other activities. Dogs in particular need constant attention and exercise, some more than others, and outsourcing this need through a doggy day care can run $40 or more per day.
Shelters report a surge in post-holiday surrenders, primarily with dogs, where there wasn’t a good match for the family owing to size, temperament or cost of care, issues never seriously considered beforehand. If you must give an animal for Christmas, please choose one from a rescue or shelter, many of which are bursting at the seams with relinquished dogs, cats and other animals. Sadly, some shelters must resort to euthanasia to control burgeoning populations caused by well-meaning people who simply didn’t think things through.
Rev. Roland Halpern, executive director, Colorado Voters for Animals
Denver
