SNUGGLED UP in fresh sawdust inside a pristine hutch in the shop, a fluffy rabbit or guinea pig may appear to be the ideal family pet.
But a few weeks later, at home with a filthy hutch that needs a clean and the children, who promised to help, are nowhere to be seen, and these creatures can be anything but adorable.
In some cases, the family's problem is "fixed" by a trip to Hull Animal Welfare Trust's Sunnydene Shelter in Pinfold, South Cave, which prides itself on never turning away a pet in need.
But Leah Elvidge, a trustee at the charity, says the shelter is being overrun by rabbits and guinea pigs, at a time when staff are already struggling with high numbers of kittens.
"The problem is that guinea pigs and rabbits are so cheap to buy," she said. "They are cheap pets. You can buy them for about £25.
"Because they're so cheap, people are perhaps not thinking long enough about the long-term commitment.
"They make great pets, but like all animals, they have to be looked after and they are your responsibility for the rest of its life."
Yesterday, guinea pigs were on sale at the chain store Pets at Home, which has branches across East Yorkshire, for £25 each – or two for £45. Rabbits were selling for £35 or two for £52.
A spokesman for the company assured us "pets come before profits" and animals will not be sold unless staff are as certain as they can be that they are going to a good home.
Leah said staff at the shelter often hear the same, familiar story from people wanting to wash their hands of an energy-sapping pet.
"When the novelty wears off and the children get bored of the pet, it's left to mum and dad to clear out the hutches," she said.
"They might not have even wanted the pet, but they got it for the kids.
"Of course, the pet stores will not take them back, so it's left to rescue charities such as ours to pick up the pieces."
Sunnydene Animal Shelter is currently home to more than 30 rabbits and ten guinea pigs.
"More are in foster homes or with our volunteers," said Leah.
"The rabbit and guinea pig problem is making life very hard for us."
Leah said the advice is simple.
"People need to think long-term," she said. "The children may want the pet now.
"But will they be prepared to clean out the hutch or cage in a few weeks' time?
"People really need to think long and hard about this commitment before they buy."
Helen Beecroft, an assistant at Hull Pets & Gardens in Beverley Road, says it takes animal welfare seriously.
She said: "We will not sell an animal to anyone we believe will not look after it.
"We will also not sell to anyone who does not have the right equipment for that animal."
Pets at Home said: "We sell pets only to responsible owners. If for any reason we don't believe that all a pet's needs will be met in its new home then we simply refuse to sell to that customer – the wellbeing of our pets comes before profits. While we make every effort to ensure our pets go to happy homes, we are also aware that not all pets have it so lucky.
"So in addition to our own charity, Support Adoption for Pets, which raises vital funds for local animal welfare and rehoming centres, our colleagues work tirelessly to operate the charity's in-store adoption programme, providing homeless pets with a second chance at the happy home they deserve."
• Can you help? Visit the Hull Animal Welfare Trust website.