- Arthritis in Pets
- Breast Cancer Surgery in Dogs
- Canine Obesity
- Cat Diseases
- Cat Neutering
- Cats and Scratching
- Cat Scratch Fever
- Choosing Your Pet
- Coping with Pet Loss
- Declawing
- Diabetes in Cats and Dogs
- Ear Cropping in Dogs
- Euthanasia
- Evacuating a Pet When Disaster Strikes
- Health Benefits of Pet Ownership
- Heartworms
- Introducing Your Pet to a Baby
- Kidney Diets for Older Pets
- Litter Training Your Rabbit
- Living With Our Pets
- Myths About Microchipping
- Neutering Operation in Cats and Dogs
- Pionus Parrots
- Preventing Poisonings
- Rabies
- Spay Operation in Cats and Dogs
- Understanding Internal Parasites
- Vaccinating Your Dog
TOPICS OF INTEREST :: CHOOSING A PET
Choosing a Pet
Have you ever wondered how to go about choosing the right dog, puppy, cat or kitten? Is this the year to expand your family to include the pet you have always wanted? Where do you begin in the decision making process? The secret to a happy, healthy zoo family (a family that considers its pets to be real family members!) is "Responsibility." That is the key word to keep in mind throughout this brief discussion about acquiring a pet. If you decide to bring a pet into your life, you will be responsible for that pet for all of ITS life!
In addition to the emotional attachments that form between the pet owner and pet, there are physical aspects of the relationship that need some careful thought. How will you handle the costs of owning and caring for a pet? Do you have the required space to properly house the pet? Will you be able to take time from your daily activities and devote attention, every day, to your pet pal?
Pet owning can be one of the most gratifying experiences anyone will ever have. People speak of the "Human-Animal Bond" that occurs between the owner and their pet and it will happen to you, too, if you make the proper decisions prior to selecting that special friend.
Review the rules and regulations for pets in your home. If you live on a farm, in a small house in town, on rental property, in an apartment, or in a housing complex, the rules will be different. Find out the rules for where you live.
Research the types of animals you are interested in. Read carefully about specific animals. Don't assume that a monkey will be as easy to care for as a kitten. Know what noises the pet makes. What housing he will need. If an iguana needs a cage with a perch will a birdcage do? What will you need for the pet? Can you provide it?
Will you be able to feed the animal what he needs to stay healthy? How much and what kind of food will this pet need and what does it cost? Figure in growth and changing needs. What costs are involved? A vet's service for a dog's vaccinations can cost $100 or more a year. Be sure you can afford care. What equipment will you need for your pet? Will you be able to afford him the air, sunlight, and special accommodations he needs? Not everyone can tend an aquarium or put up with the smell of a ferret or the noise of a caged bird. Will you be able to care for the pet on your own? Will you need help? Will there be special health concerns? For example, a small turtle might be kept in a tank in a small apartment, but turtles carry salmonella poisoning and cannot be handled unless special precautions are taken which are time consuming and costly. How large will the pet you want grow? Is the pet allowed by the landlord? Is a license required? Yearly vaccinations? What housing will the pet need? A tank? A cage? A box, bed, or outside shelter like a dog house? Can you provide shelter? Is the animal safe with children? Choose a healthy pet. A pet from a shelter should be clean and strong. A pet that sickens and dies can be an awful experience for the family. A pet shop should be reputable, taking the health of the animal a priority. Strays may not be safe and might be only lost and will be reclaimed. Wild pets can also be dangerous as carriers of disease.
Learn about your pet: The purchase of a book or loan from the library of a book on that specific species will help the child take better care of the pet. Pet shop owners or veterinarians are good sources of information on particular animals. Look for videos about the animal you are considering. Check the Internet for information. Talk to owners who can offer advice.
Write down the pros and cons. Include the whole family in the decision about if, when, and which pet you will take on. Discuss all the pros and cons, so you will know if the pet you choose is the right choice for everyone involved. Vote on your choice. Choosing the right pet is often a time consuming process, but the right pet can add fun and happiness to a home, take the time to research and choose wisely and enjoy the addition to your home.
