With Christmas just three weeks away the SPCA is reminding people not to give pets as gifts.

It might be tempting to put a puppy or kitten under the Christmas tree but people need to consider the costs and lifestyle changes a pet will bring to their family, says Tauranga SPCA centre manager Margaret Rawiri.

'When you're thinking of opening your life and home to an animal, you need to carefully consider the long-term commitment you're making.”

She says pets should always be a family wide and educated decision that considers the pet's needs as well.

Costs for pets include, food, registration for dogs, vet bills, pet insurance, grooming and boarding for those going away.

Other things to think about when adopting or gifting animals, is that pets are for life, they'll be part of the family for up to 20 years.

Pets also require training and care, they all need affection and attention and dogs require extensive training and daily exercise.

For people renting having an animal can make it harder to find a home, with most rentals having ‘no pets' policies.

The SPCA has looked at their data and while they get a few animals returned for various reasons the data shows this is no higher over the festive season.

Margaret says they are delighted by this and that most people think carefully before taking on the responsibility of a pet.

The SPCA education team do a lot of work in this area and their adoption requirements mean the owner has to meet the animal and for dogs have a fenced property that is fit for purpose, she says.

This is a stumbling block for those gifting pets unless it is for someone in their immediate family, says Margaret.