Cuties aren’t just for Christmas

“Gifting pets is not a great idea, they’re a lot tougher to exchange, if it’s the wrong fit, it’s not like exchanging a jumper which is the wrong size,” Best Friends Pet Rescue president Janey Adams said.

Ms Adams said a lot of calls were received by the rescue volunteers from people who didn’t want the animals they had received.

“A pet often needs to be matched with the owner, a grandma may not be able to care for a kelpie pup, for example,” she said.

“There’s a lot of time and work involved in bringing an animal into your home.

“It’s fun and exciting, but not so much when the kitten climbs the curtains.

“It’s a 10 to 15 year commitment, not just for Christmas.”