Heather Bacon
Chair, Animal Welfare Committee, WSAVA
“A dog is for life, not just for Christmas” — the 1970s Dogs Trust campaign tagline aims to remind us that a dog, or indeed any pet, is a lifelong commitment.
In the festive excitement and optimism, it’s all too easy to overlook practicalities and get swept away with the idea of a cute new family member. So, what can we do, practically, to set ourselves and any new family pet up for success; to ensure a long and happy life for our new pet; and to ensure all members of the family, especially children, remain safe over the coming years?
This year, WSAVA launched our collaborative position paper on behaviour and training in companion animals and drawing on the evidence base that informed this position, we’ll be looking at what you can practically do to achieve success when choosing a new family pet.
when choosing your new pet, choose wisely — choose health-tested and home-reared
The dark side of mass ‘pet production’
Popular breeds are at risk of commercial ‘farming’ — a practice which is often well disguised by slick marketing, but has horrific implications for the welfare of the animals involved. Dogs from commercial breeders have worse behavioural outcomes, more health problems and are more at risk of experiencing chronic anxiety and demonstrating aggression towards family members.
Choose wisely
So, when choosing your new pet, choose wisely — choose health-tested and home-reared. Choose a pup whose parents you’ve met or a pet from a responsible rescue that’s been evaluated by experts. Choose to bring your new pet into a calm and well-planned home environment — not one full of festive toxins and unpredictability. These things are the best way of ensuring your new family member will bring you years of companionship and joy.
