Practical Advice
Pets are truly members of the American family. About 60% of the households have at
least one
dog, cat, bird, or other companion animal. Many have more than one.
Pets are popular because they provide companionship, joy, unconditional love, a sense of
safety,
and often a service. These are probably some of the reasons why you're thinking about
getting a
pet. Animals are fun to be with every day. They make us feel good!
Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you take the time to consider
which animal
best suits your family. You can start by answering some easy questions and gathering
sound
information and advice. This process won't take long and it will be educational and fun,
particularly for children.
Select your pet the best way--the way recommended by veterinarians. A pet will become
your
daily responsibility, so make an informed pet selection. Don't let the playful antics of the
first
puppy, kitten, or bird you see or the latest status-symbol pet charm you into accepting a
responsibility for which you and your family are not prepared.
You've read articles about the millions of unwanted pets that have to be put to death each
year.
Pets selected on impulse, "for the children," or as a gift during the holidays sometimes
end up this
way. These pets once belonged to people who fell in love--and then changed their minds.
Selecting a pet should be a family project with everyone's needs, concerns, fears, and
medical
history (including allergies) considered. Family members should decide together what
kind of
animal they want, the amount of time they anticipate spending with it, and the amount of
responsibility each person is willing to assume. Be realistic. Promises from some family
members, particularly children, may not be fulfilled.
Your goal is to identify the best animal(s) for your living space, lifestyle, and budget.
Take time,
involve the family, and answer the following questions.
Do You Have Room for a Pet?
Active dogs need more space and more daily exercise than older or more sedentary dogs.
Some
pets may get enough exercise within the confines of a house or apartment. For their own
safety,
dogs and cats should not be allowed to run uncontrolled, but should be walked on a leash
or
exercised in an enclosed area. Most animals are better kept indoors or in a suitable
kennel while
you're gone.
Cats, birds, and small mammals can adapt to any size living quarters.
What Activities Do You Enjoy?
You and your family should discuss the reasons you want a companion animal and what
you
expect an animal to do with and for you. Most people keep pets as companions, whereas
others
enjoy animals for showing, breeding, hunting, or other reasons. Will the animal you're
considering have the temperament and physical attributes to participate in your outdoor
activities
(hiking, hunting, or camping) or in quiet pastimes at home? If your leisure activities take
you
away from home, who will care for your pet during your absences? Read about the
temperaments
and needs of species and breeds, and identify those that best match your lifestyle.
How Do You Spend Your Day?
Pets depend on people for daily affection and attention. Young puppies and kittens
require time
for housebreaking, training, and feeding. Are you gone all day? Do you frequently work
late?
What will you do with your pet during long absences? Feeding, exercise, grooming, and
play are
daily time commitments that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy pet.
Do You Have a No-Pet Clauses?
Most lessors' no-pet clauses apply only to dogs and cats; birds or small mammals may be
acceptable. If you want a dog or cat but you lease or condominium association rules
prohibit
them, ask that the no-pet clause be waived or negotiated. Outline your plan to care for
your pet,
to adapt to your living environment, and to meet your landlord's expectations. Assure
your
association leaders that you are a responsible pet owner who is aware of the importance
of a well-behaved animal and a clean environment. Furnish references from previous
landlords or
neighbors. Agree in writing to pay a refundable deposit or a small monthly surcharge.
How Much Will Your Pet Cost?
The purchase price of animals varies greatly. All pets need food and shelter, and most
should
have regular visits to a veterinarian for health checkups and vaccinations. Depending on
the type
of animal you choose,. other cost considerations include emergency medical treatment,
grooming,
boarding, licensing, obedience training, and accessories. Pet health insurance for
unexpected
illnesses or injuries is available in many states.
Veterinarians and Other Community Resources
When your family decides it's time to actually look for a pet, each person should
participate in the
selection process. A good place to start is a family consultation with a veterinarian to
determine
the compatibility of your needs with those of the animal(s) being considered.
Veterinarians can
offer expert advice on the physical needs, health, and behavioral characteristics of
animals, and
can direct you to other resources.
Other good sources of guidance and literature on pets include public libraries, humane
societies,
animal shelters, animal-control agencies, breeders, pet stores, obedience classes, and
local kennel,
cat, and bird clubs. Dog and cat shows offer the advantage of comparing many breeds at
one
time.
What If a Pet Doesn't Fit Your Lifestyle?
Be flexible. After discussing the role a pet will play in your life and talking with
knowledgeable
people, you may conclude that your first choice for a pet is not appropriate, so be
flexible. Your
veterinarian may suggest other companion animals whose needs more closely match your
own.
You can still enjoy the animals around you if a pet does not fit into your present lifestyle.
Try
putting a bird feeder outside your window or becoming an active member of a local
zoologic
society. Volunteer at a humane society or animal shelter. Consider a pet when your
circumstances change.
A Checkup for Your New Companion
The neighbor, breeder, shelter, or pet store where obtain your pet should allow you to
have the
animal examined by a veterinarian and to return it within an agreed-upon time if the
animal is
unhealthy. Do this as soon as possible, before you become emotionally attached to the
animal.
Your veterinarian is best qualified to assure you that your new friend is healthy and to
administer
the necessary vaccinations. At the same time, you can discuss proper nutrition and
feeding,
surgical sterilization, other preventive health measures, and grooming needs.
Prepare Your Home for Your Pet's Arrival
Before bringing a pet into your home, prepare a special place for it to eat and sleep. At
first, try
to maintain the animal's daily schedule for play, eating, and elimination. Decide where
you will
exercise your pet. Obtain any necessary accessories (such as collar and ID tag, leash,
scratching
post, litter box, crate, bird cage, etc.) before you bring your pet home. You should
pet-proof
your home just as you would child proof your home to avoid accidents.
Feeding, exercise, grooming, and play are
daily time commitments that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy pet.