The Central California SPCA would like to remind you that too often fluffy bunnies, fuzzy chicks and ducklings are given as Easter pets without thought of the long-term care and responsibility involved with them. These small animals require special care including but not limited to:
- Balanced specific diet
- Controlled temperatures
- Special housing
- Careful handling
- Veterinarian care
Other things to keep in mind when adopting a bunny, chick, duckling or other small animal:
- They are frail and can easily be injured or killed – 95% of bunnies and chicks given away during Easter time die before making it to their first birthday.
- They grow up. When they are no longer adorable babies you will face the decision of what to do with them.
- They can carry disease – Salmonella – a real danger to your child.
Easter safety tips for your current pets:
- Pets may get into Easter baskets and eat the goodies inside – please keep them out of reach. If your pets eat candy and/or imitation grass they will become ill from the intoxication. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Lilly flowers are also highly toxic – please make sure that your garden doesn’t have other toxic plants or pesticides at the reach of your pet.
A cuddly stuffed toy animal is the better option for your child this Easter. You may purchase an adoption gift certificate if your family has done the research and you are ready to adopt. If you receive an unwelcome Easter pet, never release it into the wild to survive on its own, it will not survive. Instead you can bring unwanted animals to the CCSPCA where they are cared for by employees and volunteers. For further information on adopting, gift certificates or how to care for your pets contact the Education Department.