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| Before You Get That New Pet |
| The kids have been after you and you're just about ready to cave and add a pet to your family. Think again. Before making the commitment to an animal there are many things to consider whether it be a dog, a cat, or a hamster.
1. Price: The cost of purchasing a pet may range from nothing, if you get it from a friend or find it in the paper to several hundred dollars if you want one of today's designer dogs. There are hidden costs of a pet though that often people don't consider when buying one. Veterinarian bills include, in the first year alone, a check-up, vaccinations, spaying or neutering and things such as ear infections, blood tests, etc can raise those prices even more. Then, of course, don't forget the leash, bowls, dog bed, toys, a crate, nail clippers, brushes and food. In the first year along you can be looking at $1,000 to $1,500 for your new pet. The three most important things you can do for your dog pet are: a. immunizations b. spay or neuter c. obedience training 2. Time and Patience: Do you have the time for a dog or cat. Dogs generally require more time from an owner than a cat does. Cats tend to be a bit more independent and able to care for themselves while dogs require the humans around them to care for them. They require training (at least 15-30 minutes a day until the lessons are learned), walks or daily exercise. Some breeds require much more exercise than others so do your research before buying. If you get a puppy or kitten it will cause some damage in your home: chewed furniture, clawed drapes, sneakers chewed up. Can you deal with the problems that puppies and kittens bring with them? If not, maybe an older animal would be right for you. Remember that getting a pet is a life-time commitment and some pets live for many years (into their late teens often). If you can't make a life commitment, maybe a pet isn't for you. 3. Daily Care: There's feeding, watering, walking or exercising by playing ball or some other game. No matter how much the kids beg and promise they will NOT be the primary caretaker of the pet. If you don't want to take care of your kids and the pet, don't get one until the kids are older. Young children can help by feeding or watering the animal but they are not able to assume full responsibility. They cannot walk the animal, assume responsibility for training, or even feeding without adult supervision. If you don't have the time to do it, don't get the pet. 4. Consideration: Responsible pet owners are considerate of their neighbors. Don't let your dog bark all day and night, don't let your cat use the neighbor kids sandbox as a litter box, when you walk your pet take a plastic bag and clean up after it. You don't like stepping in animal feces and neither do your neighbors. Keep your dog inside a fenced yard and don't allow it to run the neighborhood. Not only is this dangerous for your pet but it's dangerous for your neighbors and can cause an accident. Contrary to popular opinion, animals do not need a large space to run in. They need exercise but not free run. 5. Housing: Dogs and cats make better pets if they are kept inside with the family. Dogs are pack animals and do best where the pack is. Housebreaking is really pretty simple and everyone benefits. If you are determined to keep your dog outside, consider getting two dogs so they have company. Have a comfortable dog house that is large enough for the dog to move around in but not so large that its body heat cannot keep it warm. Make sure it has fresh water twice daily and shade in the summer. 6. Benefits: Dogs and cats offer a human many benefits. There is scientific evidence that having a pet lowers ones' blood pressure, decreases loneliness, gives seniors a boost and something to care for, develops responsibility in children, and the list goes on. 7. Decision: If you've decided to get a pet then do additional homework. How much grooming with this pet require and who's going to do it? How much food will it require? How big will it get? Is it an energetic animal or a quiet animal? How will this pet fit into your life style? Are you a couch potato or a sports person? Pick the pet that best fits you. Once you've decided on a pet then contact a rescue group or shelter in your area and take a trip to see what they have. Talk with the staff to see if they have a pet that fits your life style and about the needs of individual breeds. Don't pick a pet based on appearance. It's a companion you are after not a show piece. Rescues and shelters often have purebred dogs available for adoption but many people feel the 'all-American mutt' makes the best pet. If you do your research well you will have a pet for life that fits your life and you will both bring each other happiness. J. Schilling |
Last updated Mon. 19 Jul. '10 @ 07:04:06 UTC