CHOOSING A PET

CHOOSING A PET

Before you adopt a pet, think through your decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money and commitment. Take a moment and consider…..

Pets may be with you for 10-20 years. Why do you want a pet? Are you willing to invest the time? Pets require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day. Do you have the time to spend on proper care of your pet?
The cost of pet ownership can be expensive: licenses, training classes, spaying/neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, litter, and other expense ad up. Are you willing to invest the money the money on proper care of your pet?
Flea infestations, scratched furniture, accidents from pets who are not housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are common aspects of pet ownership. Are you willing deal with special problems involved to take proper care of your pet?
Many rental apartments and houses as well as condos and townhomes, even residential communities can have restrictions on allowing pets. Are you willing to research to see if any restrictions are in place before you bring a pet home?
If you have children under the age of six, you might want to wait before bringing a pet home. Children need to be mature enough to be responsible. If you travel, are in the military or a student, you might want to wait until you settle down before you adopt a pet.
Will a Great Dane fit in your four room apartment? Think about the animal’s grown size before you make a decision about the type of pet you want. Do some research, find out if the pet you are thinking about requires a great deal of exercise, is very laid back, barks at any noise, find an animal that will fit into your lifestyle and living arrangements.
If you travel for business or pleasure, will you have someone available to care for your pet while you are away? Do you have reliable family, friends or neighbors, or will you need to pay for a boarding kennel or pet sitter?
Are you responsible? Will you have your pet spayed or neutered? Will you obey leash and licensing laws by keeping vaccinations up-to-date and identification tags on your pet? Can you give your pet the love, companionship, exercise, healthy diet, and regular veterinary care?
Are you prepared to take care of and love a pet for his or her entire life? Remember, this could be a 10 to 15 or even a 20 year commitment.

This information is not in any way trying to discourage anyone from adopting a pet, but to help you make wise, informed decisions on whether you can or should adopt a pet. Shelters are full of animals that owners have given up because they didn’t think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal. Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.

1/8/04