“Dogs and cats bring many physical and mental health benefits for the young, the not so young and everyone in between,” says Dr Kersti Seksel, a leading veterinarian and specialist in animal behaviour in Australia. “But many people underestimate the time and effort needed to care for a pet. Unfortunately, this results in many animals being surrendered to shelters for behavioural issues or a realisation that the pet is not suited to the owner’s lifestyle. That’s why it’s so important that everyone understands the responsibility involved for the lifetime of the pet.”
Pets bring so much to our lives, but the truth is, gifting a pet must be done in their best interest, not ours. The reality is, pets needs are much greater than your usual gift – they require specific care and precise nutrition to maintain their health and happiness.
This year, ROYAL CANIN® wants to remind everyone that pets are gifts of a lifetime and urge potential owners to plan for a pet.
Here are seven factors to consider before introducing a new pet at any time of the year:
To find out more about the seven factors to consider before introducing a new pet into your family, visit our pet advice blog