Animal welfare organisations across Queensland are issuing a heartfelt plea to the public as the festive season approaches: resist the urge to give a pet as a surprise Christmas gift.
The message is clear and urgent from shelters in Cairns, Townsville, and beyond. While the intention is often loving, the reality is that impulse adoptions during December frequently lead to a surge in surrendered animals come January and February.
The Post-Christmas Surrender Spike
RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Emma Lagoon confirms the distressing annual trend. She states that the organisation typically experiences a significant increase in intake after the holiday period. Last year, the RSPCA took in over 1,000 animals across the state in January alone, a number heavily inflated by Christmas gift pets that did not work out.
The reasons for surrender are varied but predictable. Families may discover they are not prepared for the long-term commitment, time, and financial cost involved. The novelty wears off, or the animal's behaviour does not match the idyllic Christmas morning fantasy. Puppies and kittens given as gifts are often the most vulnerable, facing an uncertain future when the festive glitter fades.
A Cairns Shelter's Emotional Appeal
Local Cairns shelters are on the front line of this issue. Operators emphasise that a pet is a 10 to 15-year responsibility, not a disposable present. They witness firsthand the confusion and heartbreak in animals returned once the holidays end.
"We see it every year," said one Cairns shelter manager. "People get caught up in the magic of Christmas and think a puppy with a bow is the perfect gift. But when reality sets in—the chewing, the toilet training, the vet bills, the daily walks—many are simply not ready. The animal pays the price."
Shelters are not discouraging adoptions outright. Instead, they advocate for planned and considered decisions involving the entire family. The process should be a conscious choice made when the household is ready for the upheaval and commitment, not during the chaotic festive season.
Responsible Alternatives for Pet-Loving Families
For families determined to introduce a pet, shelters recommend a more thoughtful approach. A popular suggestion is to wrap up pet supplies—a collar, bowl, or toy—along with a gift certificate for an adoption to be completed in the new year. This allows the recipient to be part of the selection process and ensures the decision is made calmly after the holidays.
Other responsible alternatives include:
- Fostering an animal over the break to understand the responsibilities without a lifelong commitment.
- Sponsoring a shelter animal's care as a gift, helping those waiting for their forever home.
- Visiting a shelter to volunteer as a family activity, teaching children about compassion and care.
The overarching message from Queensland's animal welfare community is one of love and responsibility. They care for thousands of animals each year and dream of finding them permanent, loving homes. Their plea this Christmas is for the public to ensure that when an adoption happens, it is forever—not just for the holidays.
