Pets are not Christmas presents, they are long term commitments.

That was the message from Animal Rehab Central manager Shirlene Steel, as its busiest time of year fast approaches.

Shirlene said they were inundated with abandoned dogs at the moment, and it wouldn’t be long before the kittens began to arrive at the shelter as well.

Animal Rehab Central was launched in 2020. Shirlene felt a need to keep up the service that had been provided by the SPCA in Alexandra, as there was no other onsite facility that people could actively come and visit, and interact with the animals in a shelter situation.

Unfortunately, the increased cost of living and the housing shortage in Central Otago was putting stress on families, and then having a flow-on effect onto their pets, often leaving them with nowhere to go.

“With very few properties available, it’s a double-edged sword because we can’t rehome pets if people don’t have their own home.”

Animal Rehab Central Manager Shirlene Steel. PHOTO: Supplied.

She said while there were some really good pet owners out there, it was too volatile to rehouse an animal in a property that people didn’t own, “because we can’t put them in a situation where they could end up back in a rescue six to 12 months later.”

Many dogs were ending up at the pound not microchipped or registered making it very difficult to find the owners, “and they obviously don’t feel like they can come to the rescue (shelter), and they let them run free.”

Shirlene said it did take a while to decompress a dog, but many responded well once they established a good routine with them.

“But, we have to carry out an awful lot of training, and it does take a while to have them ready for adoption.”

With people wanting to buy their children pets for Christmas, Animal Rehab Central had a strong message for parents to think about the long term situation.

“It’s a long term commitment, not a ‘make you feel good’ moment,” she said.

Families have to think about what happens when the kids go back to school and who looks after them when they go on holiday - not to mention vet bills.

“It’s a huge expense. Don’t do it unless you are in a secure situation,” she said.

Other options could be to foster an animal for a short time, because that way you can still give them back.

“People that are not in a good situation - the first thing they do is get a pet, because they feel they are providing, but it always ends in tears.”

Animal Rehab Central was always grateful for financial donations as well as food and blankets at the shelter.

Listen to more here on The Outlet podcast.