Our pets are an important part of the family, and two thirds of us buy presents for our animals to ‘open’ on Christmas Day.
But what about the SPCA cats and dogs? Do they enjoy any Christmas cheer?
There are 40 SPCA centres around New Zealand which house 45,000 animals. Christmas is the SPCA’s busiest time of year, with kitten season making it even more hectic.
Like any other day, SPCA staff and volunteers will be spending time with the animals on Christmas Day, feeding them, walking them, playing with them and giving them cuddles, says SPCA CEO Andrea Midgen.
But this year the animals will also receive presents from Santa, in the form of pet treats, extra snuggly beds, new food bowls and toys. The treats are being delivered today and they’re all provided by Purina NZ.
“As pet lovers ourselves, we know the cats and dogs of the SPCA will enjoy these gifts as much as our own pets do,” Purina NZ Head of Marketing Jennifer Chappell says.
Of course, the ultimate Christmas present is to find a new home.
“While we can make the day special for the animals,” says Midgen, “what we really want is for them to celebrate Christmas in their new forever home.”
