An independent pet shop owner is urging retailers to 'check out' potential owners before selling rabbits and guinea pigs to them at Christmas.
Bridget Pitman Brand, of Market Rasen Pet Centre in Lincolnshire, says she vets all her customers before agreeing to sell them small animals.
"I have refused to sell pets in the past because I felt the people wouldn't make responsible owners," said Bridget. "You buy a pet for life, not just for Christmas."
Bridget has owned the pet centre for 12 years and during that time she has offered a pet delivery service, delivering on Christmas Day itself.
"There is nothing wrong with small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters being given as Christmas presents, as long as families understand their responsibilities as owners.
"If parents come into my shop and they inquire about giving a pet as a present, then I will spend time with them making sure they know everything that's involved. I will even visit their homes because I need to be certain they will look after the pets properly.
"I deliver pets to my customers' homes even on Christmas Day, so I know they're going to a good place. I can honestly say that I have never had a pet returned after it was given as a present."
Christmas Day Delivery charges range from £1 within Market Rasen to £2 for the outlying villages and up to £5 for Lincoln and Grimsby.
Pictured above: Bridget spends time with children telling them about the responsibilities of owning a pet. Picture courtesy of the Market Rasen Mail
