Pets as Presents/Animals as Gifts
SPCA advocates that when animals are given to a recipient as a gift, the recipient should have expressed an ongoing interest in being an animal owner and be able to provide them with a Good Life where they experience positive welfare and their physical, health and behavioural needs are met.
SPCA acknowledges animals are sometimes given as gifts. Research has shown that animals given as gifts are no more likely to be relinquished and are equally valued.
Where an animal is acquired as a gift for a child under 16 years of age, the parents or guardians are legally responsible for the care of the animal. Gift-givers should be confident that the person responsible for care of the animals is able to meet that animal’s physical, health and behavioural needs.
SPCA advocates that the animal is acquired from SPCA Centres or other reputable animal rescue organisations, where possible.
By acquiring their companion animals from reputable animal rescue organisations, people can help an individual animal, alleviate the problems caused by oversupply, and assist in reducing the problem of unwanted companion animals.
