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Are You Ready For a Pet?
If you are adopting an animal into your life, or just considering it, remember, it takes more than just providing adequate food, water and shelter to be a responsible pet owner. Here are a few things to consider.
- Animals are a long-term commitment that deserve serious thought because your dog or cat might be with you for 10-20 years. Are you ready to make that sort of commitment?
- If you are considering getting a single dog or cat, remember that many animals do not adjust well to solitude. Any animal that is constantly left alone can develop behavioral problems. Dogs particularly thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day. The same is true if you travel frequently.
- Remember that having a pet is an ongoing expense. Include basic and emergency veterinary care, toys, supplies, and food when you estimate the cost of owning an animal. Spaying and neutering is also essential for the animal’s long-term health and happiness.
- Choose a pet that suits your home and lifestyle. All animals are not right for every household. Problems such as allergies, apartment restrictions, or moving issues should be explored before adopting any new pet. Ask everyone in your household what sort of pet is right. Large dogs may be too strong or active for small children. Small pets may be too delicate for children. Discuss your family’s likes and dislikes, so you don’t accidentally come home with the wrong pet.
- Learn about dog and cat behavior. Obedience train your dog. Basic training helps dog owners communicate better with their pets and strengthens the human-animal bond. Research shows that people who train their dogs are more likely to keep them. Dogs behave differently than cats, as do individual dogs one from the other. Cats cannot be trained in the same way as dogs, but they can learn what behavior is and what isn’t appropriate if you teach them. It is important to learn what is normal, appropriate, behavior and what is correctable.
- Make sure your family is ready for the changes an animal will bring into your home. Puppies and kittens need a lot of attention and training. They can end up chewing or scratching household items, and do not remain small for long. Remember, that rambunctious and playful kitten or puppy will one day become a full grown cat or dog.
- If you are getting a pet for your child, it is unrealistic to expect the child to do all the work. No matter how mature your child is, you will need to provide constant supervision and act as a back-up. One adult in the home should be designated as the supervisor so that the pet’s daily needs--such as food and water--do not become lost in the shuffle of busy schedules.
- Teach yourself and your family about the pet before adopting. Read books about pet care and visit with friends and family who already have the kinds of pet you are considering. Training, vet visits, grooming, exercise, and feeding are all part of the ongoing family responsibilities of caring for a pet.
- Make sure your family is ready for the changes an animal will bring into your home. Puppies and kittens need a lot of attention, socialization and play. They can end up damaging household items if left unsupervised. Young animals and children may not mix well. Very young children may unwittingly mishandle or hurt a puppy or kitten, which are particularly vulnerable to being pulled at, dropped, or picked up inappropriately. Young animals have needle-sharp nails and milk teeth that can hurt youngsters by accident so proceed with caution.
- Once you are ready, be sure you obtain a healthy animal with the right personality from a reputable source and, no matter where your new family member comes from, his or her first trip should be to your vet for a meet and greet checkup.
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