big kids
I
BY TAJA FOX
pet
Is a
for Christmas
a good idea?
t’s Christmas time, and you may
be thinking about getting a cat or
a dog as a present for your home.
But is it a good idea? It depends.
Selecting the right pet for your
family is important. You must do
some research to learn exactly what is
involved in taking care of a pet. Talk to
family members to see what everyone
wants and is expecting in a companion
animal.
We talked to Jodi Corbett, humane
educator of Bermuda Society for the Pre-
vention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA),
38
about the pros and cons of adopting
animals for Christmas.
According to Jodi, Christmas is a
very busy time for families and friends
to socialize and spend time with one
another. We suggest getting the sup-
plies needed and a gift certificate to the
shelter before getting a pet for Christ-
mas. After the holiday, then choose
a pet with the family so that you are
carefully considering the pros and cons
of having a pet.
Here are some pros and cons of
getting a pet for Christmas:
The Pros
Cost: Particularly in the current econo-
my, not all families can afford to adopt
or buy a new pet. Some adoptions cost
can be up to several hundred dollars.
Jodi says the cost to adopt a kitten is
$100.00 and a cat over 3 years is $50.00.
“If you want a dog under six months
it’s $450.00 and over six months it’s
$250.00. After the initial cost you’ll have
vet costs, food, toys, etc. A cat can cost
up to $400.00 a year and a dog could
cost up to $600.00 per year.” So if you