CHRISTMAS will soon be here and once again the RSPCA is warning people not to give pets as presents.

Sadly, this advice often falls on deaf ears. Every year the RSPCA deals with thousands of unwanted animals and many of them are Christmas casualties. Buying a pet for somebody else is never a good idea; cost alone should make people think twice as owners will pay more than £4,000 to keep an averaged-sized dog for life. That's a huge financial commitment to land on someone else.

Some reluctant recipient of unwelcome pets reject them immediately. Many RSPCA animal homes can report cases of Christmas or Boxing Day admissions. But the real peak comes later.

The total of unwanted animals generally rockets by 15 to 20 per cent during March and April. That appears to be the critical time when owners decide they can no longer cope with the burden of house-training, feeding and exercising potentially a destructive pet.

Some rules to follow:

Rule number 1 is never buy anyone an animal without checking first that it is wanted. In the case of a family, don't ask the children, who will say yes ask the parents.

Rule number 2 is that Christmas is the worst time to take on a new pet. The Christmas season is generally hectic and a small nervous pet needs a gentle introduction to a new life and owners.

Every Christmas the RSPCA receives complaints about animals being left unattended over the festive season. The society's inspectors find pets left in the dark and cold for several days, without even food or water.

Centres for the care of destitute animals too often have the unenviable job soon after Christmas of 'rescuing' pets that started off as presents from 'caring' friends and relatives.

Instead of giving pets as presents, why not spend money on spoiling your pets or the pets of friends and family.

The owners might find this a wonderful gesture and Christmas present enough.

There are a number of ways to treat pets this festive season and ensure that they feel part of the family's celebrations.

There are a number of pet shops which specialise in all sorts of goodies for furry friends.

Even dogs that have to maintain their diet over Christmas can benefit from sugar-free chocolate drops which are specially formulated to help your dog stay happy and healthy.

A wonderful idea from Pets at Home is a musical stocking which barks to the tune of We Wish You a Merry Christmas when chewed. Manufactured from heavy duty canvas, the musical stocking is great fun and will keep dogs, and no doubt their owners, amused for hours.

Cats too can be spoilt with special cradles that hang next to the radiator keeping them warm and snug after their festive feast. There are also a number of different foods to offer such as the Hartz Cranberry and Turkey treat.

Why not treat your bunny to a new hutch. Pets at Home offers a starter hutch which is fully treated for outside use and comes complete with pressed hay, pressed woodchips, disinfectant, vitamin solution and feeding utensils.

And there's a bunny stocking available too that is filled with treats such as yoghurt drops and seed bars.

If you have a hamster you could get him the Sam 160 Turbo Cycle which is a mini motorbike that can actually take your hamster for a ride!

Another great way to treat animals at Christmas time is to buy cards and gifts from the number of wildlife charities. In this way you'll be benefiting from good deals, while at the same time contributing to very worthwhile causes.