There's one gift you should never give anyone at Christmas: a puppy.
Although many dream of welcoming a four-legged friend into their home, many do not realize the commitment that owning a dog entails, which can lead to serious consequences.
Petbarn Foundation manager Janelle Bloxsom issued a stern warning, urging Australians not to buy animals as Christmas gifts.
Ms Bloxsom told FEMAIL: 'Choosing to become a pet parent is an incredibly rewarding experience and a decision that must be carefully considered.
'Bringing a pet into the family can take more than a decade of dedication and care. Therefore, it is not recommended to gift a pet as a 'surprise'.”
Animals (especially dogs and puppies) should never be given as pets at Christmas
Janelle Bloxsom, manager of the Petbarn Foundation, issued a stern warning, saying: 'Choosing to become a pet parent is an incredibly rewarding experience and a decision that must be carefully considered'
It is essential to consider your financial situation, mental well-being and physical lifestyle before purchasing a pet
When it comes to pet ownership, the “adopt, don't shop” rule applies.
It is essential to consider your financial situation, mental well-being and physical lifestyle before purchasing a pet.
People and pets also need to be attuned to each other so that they meet each other's needs. For example, someone who does not exercise much should not be paired with an energetic dog that needs to be walked twice a day.
It is also not wise to buy a pet as a spontaneous, last-minute decision.
Ms Bloxsom said potential pet owners should consider the size of their home, training time, exercise, finances and more.
Every year after the festive season, RSPCA Australia sees a spike in animal surrenders as people realize they are not fit to raise pets given as Christmas gifts.
But for those who have carefully considered welcoming a four-legged friend into their family, Ms Bloxsom encouraged them to adopt a rescue animal.
But those who have taken the time to carefully consider their decision should look into adopting a rescue animal looking for their forever home.
“These pets usually end up in rescues through no fault of their own and you could be their second chance at a loving family,” Ms Bloxsom said.
In the past year alone, RSPCA Australia has taken into care a staggering 94,828 animals, including 119,221 dogs and 35,571 cats.
It managed to successfully rehome 71 percent of surrendered dogs and 77 percent of cats, thanks in part to funds received from The Tree of Hope Appeal.
In the past year alone, RSPCA Australia has taken into care a staggering 94,828 animals, including 119,221 dogs and 35,571 cats
Not only dogs and cats are up for adoption, but chickens, lizards, rabbits, guinea pigs and more are also in need
The Petbarn Foundation has also launched its annual Tree of Hope appeal to help people and pets in need this holiday season, with the goal of raising $1.3 million.
As well as helping the thousands of animals in rescues and shelters, money raised from the appeal will be distributed to charities supporting pet owners who are homeless or experiencing domestic abuse.
About 24 percent of people living in rugged areas in Australia have a companion animal, which can have a significant impact on crisis housing and refuge options.
As many as 50 percent of women in abusive relationships have reported that their partner has injured or killed their pets, and 33 percent of these women have delayed leaving their abusive relationships due to concerns about the well-being of their beloved furry companion.
Ms Bloxsom said: 'Every day we hear about Aussies struggling – people fleeing domestic violence, sick children in hospital separated from their families, rescue groups bursting at the seams with surrendered pets, or people who are homeless and do not feed themselves or their pets.
'Through our annual Tree of Hope appeal, we help change lives every day through the support our Petbarn community provides every Christmas.
“This is our tenth year of the appeal and donations are needed now more than ever.”