PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. encourages people to give the gift of life this holiday season, by choosing to adopt an orphaned animal from a shelter as part of the "Home 4 the Holidays" campaign, which runs from now through January 5. But before you give that pet to someone as a gift, you may want to consider all the implications of that act to insure the pet does not find itself back in the hands of an animal welfare organization.
Although the two-month adoption drive has a goal of 250,000 animals leaving shelters, organizers want to make sure that these pets find their "forever homes" through this program, with the understanding that these wonderful creatures require a life-long commitment. With that in mind, PETCO offers a few questions to ask before buying a pet as a gift:
-- Are there financial resources to take proper 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 basics of, the pet being
considered? Libraries and PETCO carry related 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 may take 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.)?
PETCO recommends 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. Then, take your adoption papers to any PETCO store, and receive an "Adoption Gift Booklet," with coupons worth up to $180 to help the new pet parent get off to the right start.
For a longer version of this release: http://www.petco.com/corpinfo_press.asp?webt=0&
SOURCE: PETCO
CONTACT: Shawn Underwood of PETCO, +1-858-909-4662,
