While some humane societies are bracing for a flood of unwanted Easter pets, the Red Deer animal shelter isn’t hopping with more floppy ears than usual.
The Humane Society of Canada asked people to not buy or give small animals and birds as gifts on Easter weekend.
This plea may have worked in Red Deer.
Julie McInnis, executive director for the Red Deer and District SPCA, said three rabbits were available for adoption, but none of them were taken.
A couple of dogs and a couple of cats were adopted out on the weekend, which drew lots of people out to the shelter.
A number of holds were put on the homeless animals, McInnis added.
She added it’s a serious decision that someone makes.
The shelter doesn’t automatically allow someone to walk in and out with a pet, rather they typically pick up the animal the next day, McInnis said.
Plus, the cost of adoption isn’t cheap — for an average cat it’s $125, $150 for a kitten and between $200 and $500 for a dog, depending on the breed.
Cost includes a bag of food, spay or neutering, and micro-chipping — all of which are worth a lot more than the price of adoption, McInnis said.
Julie Harrison, assistant manager for Petland on the city’s south side, said they really try to educate people about what they can expect in owning a certain animal, rabbits included.
Among the questions that staff ask is whether the individual owns or rents their living quarters.
“We give them their responsibilities for looking after this pet and whether they are able to do them,” Harrison said.
Staff will show children what is required in terms of supplies for buying a rabbit.
That can dissuade them from purchasing one, she said.
“If they refuse to get any of that stuff because they just want to pay the (amount) for the rabbit, then we’ll refuse the sale,” Harrison said.
Harrison said only one or two rabbits were sold on the weekend.
New owners do receive a lifetime guarantee that they can always return the animal, but they don’t get their money back.
“We want (the animals) to have a long life,” said Harrison.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com