Townsville residents are being reminded that pet ownership is a lifelong commitment and to think twice before gifting a loved one a new pet this festive season if they aren't ready for a forever commitment.
Dogs and cats will live for about 15 years and owning a pet is a major responsibility that lasts long after the excitement of the festive season.
Pet ownership comes with a number of responsibilities including making sure they are fed and being able to commit to any costs involved such as registration, vet, vaccination and desexing fees, as well as kennel fees if you decide to go on holidays.
"We absolutely love our pets up here in Townsville, but we need to emphasise to everyone that there is a lot of hard work involved in not only raising a pet but owning it for the rest of its life," Acting Mayor Mark Molachino said.
"Gifting a cat or dog may seem like a good idea at the time but to thrust that burden of committing to its lifelong care on someone just isn't fair to anyone involved.
"If Christmas is the time to become a new pet owner, I'd encourage people to think about adopting a pet themselves through Council's Animal Care and Adoption Centre, or one of our city's foster and rehoming agencies."
Council regularly holds free microchipping events for registered dogs and approved cats in Townsville, with the next one coming up on Saturday 4 February at CityLibraries Aitkenvale.
