This should be a full-page ad in all news sheets

http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=255178

DATCP: Santa doesn't give pets and neither should you
12/7/2011

Contact: Donna Gilson, 608-224-5130, [log in to unmask]
Jim Dick, Communications Director, 608-224-5020, [log in to unmask]

Begin Quote:

"MADISON -- A puppy is not a perfect present, and in fact, giving one
for Christmas might end up being a perfect mess instead.

The same goes for kittens, ferrets, miniature pigs, exotic animals, and
any other pet, cautions state humane veterinarian Dr. Yvonne Bellay.

"Getting a pet should be a choice, and a commitment -- never a
surprise," she says. "And even if you know the recipient wants a dog or
a cat or ferret, and maybe even wants this particular dog or cat or
ferret, wait until later. Bringing an animal into a home during the
chaos of the holidays is a bad way to start the relationship."

Adding to the problem is the fact that the holidays are filled with all
those cute movie animals that too often result in some species or breed
getting to be a fad -- and in animals that show up in shelters a few
months down the road. And family members might think a dog or cat is
just what their elderly or empty-nester parents need, especially during
the holidays.

"Resist all those temptations, because you're not doing either the
person or the pet a favor," Dr. Bellay says. "Talk it over first, and
if that person really wants a pet, do the research and get the right
pet -- in January. Instead of the pet itself, give some supplies for
Christmas, or even some reading material to help get ready for the
pet's arrival."

She offers more advice when choosing a pet:

* Match the pet to the person. Consider lifestyle, space, and financial
demands. Is a dog, a cat, a ferret, a good match? What breed of dog?
Consider exercise needs, grooming, need for attention, and costs of
feeding and veterinary care. Find resources for choosing pets on our
website.

* Don't buy from a breeder blindly. Insist on visiting the breeder's
facilities to see how the animals are cared for. If the facilities
are bad, walk away. If you buy an animal just to get it out of those
conditions, you're rewarding bad behavior and setting more animals up
for neglect and abuse. You can check our online database of licensed
dog sellers if you're buying from a larger breeder; anyone selling
fewer than 25 dogs a year does not need a license.

* Exotic animals are rarely, if ever, a good pet choice. They have
special nutrition and health needs that may be expensive to meet,
and finding veterinary care may be difficult. Reptiles often carry
salmonella, and pose a risk especially to children. Some cities
prohibit ownership of exotic animals, and some may not be brought
into Wisconsin -- prairie dogs, for example, and some African rodent
species -- because of disease threats.

* Get a certificate of veterinary inspection, or CVI, if you're
bringing any animal into Wisconsin from a different state. The seller
should provide the CVI, but if not, it is your responsibility to have
the animal checked by a veterinarian and get the proper paperwork. If
you are buy a dog from a licensed seller in-state, the seller must
provide you with a CVI. Small in-state sellers who don't need licenses
do not have to provide CVIs."

[Posted in FML 7268]