Are you considering adding a pet to your family? My advice to everyone is to put down the wallet and stop and think about your decision. One of the biggest reasons pets get abandon is lack of knowledge. What do you know about that cute and cuddle baby you have your heart set on.
We have people who come into the store ... see some cute (or sometimes not so cute) critter and decide they have to have it. Sometimes, once you start explaining things to them, they realize that's not the pet for me.
We had a gentleman in the store the other day looking for a better filter for his turtle tank. When I started talking to him, he told me he could only go three weeks before the tank started to smell and had to clean it. Three WEEKS..... poor turtle! I started to explain how he needs to clean it more often not less. Turtles in a tank need exceptionally clean water. With their limited habitat ... if you don't clean it very frequently ... you are forcing them to drink the same water that they pee and poop in. So before you give in to your kids on that Hamster, Guinea Pig, Snake or Fish ask yourself some questions.
1. Why do you want to adopt a pet?
Did you stop in the pet store to let your kids check out the
animals and now they are begging and crying for that adorable dwarf
hamster? Are you looking for the loyal
and steady companionship that an animal can offer? Are you hoping to fill the
empty place left after a pet has passed? Maybe you want a companion for your
child. Knowing why you're preparing to bring a pet home will help you to
determine which pet is right for you or if you’re ready for a pet at all.
2. Is your family ready for a pet?
Keep in mind this is how I ended up with Lucky. The family had a 4 year old and wasn’t ready
to deal with the behavior of their new puppy.
If your kids are still toddlers, you might consider waiting a few years
before getting a pet. Small children
don’t understand their own strength when It comes to handling animals and do a
lot of harm which in turn can get them hurt when the pet bites them to protect
themselves. Children who are mature enough can happily share pet-care duties.
You may also have another pet at home who's not yet—or may never be—ready to
share his kingdom with another animal.
3. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment?
When bring a pet into your life you are making a commitment
to care for an animal for the rest of his life—that could mean 10 to 15 years
for dogs and up to 20 years for cats, some birds and reptiles can live up to
100+. As you go through lifestyle
changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, your animal will
remain a permanent part of your life. If circumstances change, will you still
be able to care for your pet?
4. What kind of pet is right for you?
Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such
as space restrictions and amount of time spent at home, should be explored to
determine what pet is right for your household. Researching different pets can
help you determine which will fit into your life. A trip to your local library can help.
5. Can you afford to care for your pet's health and safety?
Owning a pet costs more than just buying the pet, initial
supplies . Food, veterinary care, spaying or neutering, cleaning supplies,
water usage, and time needed to properly take care of a pet, can add up
6. Are you prepared to deal with an animal's health
challenges?
Fleas, allergies and sudden medical issues are just a few of
the health-related problems that potential pet owners may face. Can you care
for your pet if he gets sick? Many
people don’t want to fork out $100 to heal a $10 pet but if you take that
hamster home he is now your responsibility.
Research your local vets and make some calls to see who is qualified to
take care of the kind of pet your looking into.
Most vets only do dogs and cats if you’re getting a reptile or small
animal you may have to make even more call to find a vet that’s right for
you. When making these calls make sure
you ask how much it costs for a vet visit for the animal you are considering.
7. Will you be able to spend quality time together?
Most pets thrive on several hours of companionship every
day, and pets who are constantly left alone can become antisocial and even
afraid of you. Cats are healthiest and happiest indoors If your work demands
that you travel often, or if you're out of the house most days and evenings,
this may not be the right time to that cute kitten. Guinea pigs can become depressed if left
alone for too long. Hamsters left to
themselves will become afraid of you and start to bite.
8. Are you willing to train your animal companion?
Lack of training is one of the most common reasons that people
get rid of pets—are you willing to solve behavior problems? By doing some research on what needs to be
done with your pet will help you decide if a pet is right for you. Are you willing to take your dog to a good
trainer or just that guy down the street who will use a shock collar to fry
them into submission? Are you ready to
deal with training your cat where to scratch or just get mad because they've scratch up your furniture? Are you
prepared to handle that reptile, small animal or bird to get them use to human
interaction or just leave them in the cage and ignore them?
9. Are you prepared to pet-proof your home?
Whether it's tightly sealing your garbage cans or paying
attention to dangerous decorations during the holidays, you'll need to make
your home safe before taking home a pet. Some pets are very good at getting into places
you don’t want them others .
10. Is your living space adequate for an animal companion?
First thing you need to do is check the rules. If you’re renting or have a strict HOA check
to see if there are any restrictions on the type or size of pet you own. Be sure to choose an animal who will thrive
in your home. If you're attracted to energetic large-breed dogs, but live in a
small apartment, your new best friend may drive you nuts because he doesn’t have
enough room? If you live in a noise home, will it disturb your new feathered
friend?
