As the festive season approaches and people consider gift-giving for their loved ones, Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has called on the community to remember owning a pet is a lifelong commitment and deciding to give one as a gift should not be made lightly.
Mayor Jenny Hill said people needed to make sure they considered all the responsibilities of owning a pet before making the big decision.
"While we absolutely love our pets here in Townsville, we want to make sure people understand the work involved in not only raising a pet, but the long-term duties of owning one," Cr Hill said.
"Owning a pet is a major responsibility that lasts long after the excitement of the festive season.
"People may consider their pet as a part of their life, but to them, you're their whole life.
"It's more than just making sure your animals are fed and watered, but also being able to commit to any possible costs involved such as vet, vaccination and desexing fees, as well as kennel fees if you decide to go on holidays.
"If you're thinking about giving a pet as a gift, you need to be absolutely certain the person or family receiving it will commit to its lifelong care.
"If Christmas is the time to become a new pet owner, I'd encourage people to think about adopting a pet through Council's Animal Care and Adoption Centre, or one of our city's foster and rehoming agencies."
