Easter Humane Pet Gifts & Tips at Ark Animals

Easter pets? Author Diana L. Guerrero encourages pet safety during Easter celebrations and humane gift giving. Discover humane gifts for Easter. Animal expert, Diana L. Guerrero shares Easter pet hints and alternative gifts for Easter.

Animal Expert Easter Pet Hazards
& Humane Gift Alternatives
Easter Bunny Chocolates Better Than Live Gifts

Easter and spring celebrations are right around the corner. If you are considering purchasing a bunny, a chick, or a duck for a seasonal gift, think again. Gift animals often end up in shelters if they don't end up injured or dead first.

According to Diana L. Guerrero, "Animal stewardship comes with responsibility. The holidays are a notoriously bad time to give animals as gifts. Humane celebrations involve critter shaped chocolate and marshmallow treats instead of live animal presents. Stuffed animals are also great gifts for animal lovers."

The animal behaviorist is the author of What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality: Inspiring Lessons of Wild & Tame Creatures. The book has gained a grassroots following across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Guerrero remembers receiving small creatures as gifts in her childhood and said, "The young critters are poorly suited as pets since they require special feeding, care, and consistent temperatures. Humane societies receive an influx of the delicate creatures for weeks after the holiday celebrations."

There are many risks to the small animals, but chicks and ducks can also carry salmonella, a disease that causes severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Kids are especially vulnerable to this disease.

"The sad reality is that many of the tiny survivors are euthanized due to the difficulties in finding permanent homes." Guerrero said.

Bunnies can also be a challenge. Some are bred commercially for food and fur, but they have worked their way into the pet market-over 40 breeds are bred to be pets. As a result, there are many rabbit groups helping to educate novice rabbit owners, such as the House Rabbit Society.

Serious enthusiasts hop on down the bunny trail by taking their cherished critters to bunny events held worldwide. Unfortunately not everyone is equipped to deal with the unique needs of a pet rabbit.

Guerrero said, "The novelty of unusual pets often wears off. Rabbits can be trained but require specific care. There are also very specific problems that average pet owners are not equipped to handle."

The behaviorist said that challenges facing the novice bunny owner may include:

• Skittish behavior from the critter. Kicking and scratching (rabbits don't always enjoy being handled and hugged).
• Behavior problems exhibited by intact (not spayed or neutered) animals.
• Destructive chewing.
• Finding a veterinarian versed in bunny care.
• Special housing and dietary needs.
• Multiple bunnies often fight.

Adopting or bringing home a pet of any kind requires preparation. Many house rabbit rescue and adoption agencies have formed to deal with the problem of abandoned and homeless rabbits. Regional groups can be located through your local humane societies, veterinarians and other pet professionals.

Guerrero concluded, "Celebrate the spring holidays by creating new traditions that are humane."