Is Your Family Ready for a Pet?
So, you’re thinking about opening your home, and your heart, to a new family member. And that is exactly what a new pet will become, an official member of the family. While this is certainly a very exciting decision, it is also one that carries a lot of weight with it. Picking a lifetime companion is an important decision making process that should not be overlooked or made hastily.
There are many things to consider in your decision. Keep in mind that your decision is not only made for yourself, but for your pet as well! We as humans have been entrusted to look after and protect the animals around us. While a great friend and companion, a pet will indeed rely on you for everything. You must take the prospective future of the animal into consideration as well. If you think your family might be ready for a pet, ask yourself these questions. Taking some time now can help you find the perfect pet for your situation.
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Is your lifestyle pet-friendly?
Do you lead a life that has open time for training a new pet, and providing daily interaction and attention? This is a much larger commitment than some people realize, especially for a puppy in the beginning stages of socializing. It takes much hard work and dedication to train an animal.
Who will feed, walk, groom and pick up after the dog? A pet is a lifelong personal commitment to looking after another life. You need to be willing to stick it out through the process to have a well behaved animal.
Do you have a living situation that is accommodating to the pet you want? A cat can fare well in a smaller setting, such as an apartment, but dogs do not always do so well in confined spaces. Take into account that a dog will need constant exercise, as well as an outdoor spot to go to the bathroom.
Are there young children in your family?
Often times, the initial reason for getting pet is to have it for the kids in your life. Most kittens will adjust to children well, but take care if adopting an older cat. Be sure to take note of the cat’s temperament and check with the shelter employees, and if possible, have the child interact with the cat before any final decisions are made.
If you are looking at inviting a dog into your home, more care will need to be taken in picking the right animal for children. Once again, if adopting, be sure to find out the dog’s history with children, and have an assessment of its temperament done by it’s caretakers. It’s a good idea to have the children interact with the animal before it is introduced into the home.
Have you taken into account the long-term cost of caring for a pet?
Taking a pet into your house is not a one time cost. Expenses will continue to happen as long as the pet is a member of your family. Remember that as well as initial costs that will cover food dishes, bedding, collars and grooming accessories, there will be regular food costs, licensing, possible pet insurance and most importantly of all, regular Veterinary care. The vet visits will need to include annual check ups, vaccines, and deworming, as well as possible emergencies or medical conditions that may arise without any notice.
Once you’ve decided that you’re ready for a pet, the next step is selecting the animal that’s right for your home. There are several things to consider to ensure a happy homecoming and a lifetime of great memories for you and your pet.
The physical condition of the animal
The most important thing to do is to have your kitten or puppy checked out by a registered member of your province’s Veterinary Association. A reputable breeder or pet store should provide an exam with the purchase of the animal. The vet will then conduct a routine new pet exam.
During this, the Veterinarian will check over a number of physical factors for your new animal from head to tail. De-worming medication will be administered, and any necessary vaccinations will be given. The vet can also give you a schedule so you’ll know what you need to do to keep your pet healthy and active.
Dealing with reputable breeders and shelters
It is very important when looking into gaining a new pet that you are well aware of the establishment that you are purchasing or rescuing from. Make sure to research the different breeders and shelters before making any decisions. Be sure that you are getting involved with a reputable breeder and not a puppy mill.
Find out how many litters the breeders normally have, and how many animals there are in total. A reputable breeder will be happy to provide this information. Be sure that if you are getting a pure-bread that all the papers are readily available for you and up to date. Check with the Canadian Kennel Club or American Kennel Club or the Cat Fanciers Association for a list of their registered breeders.
The decision to welcome a pet into your home is a big one, and one not to be taken lightly. But with the proper information at your disposal the choice will be much easier to make. Is your family ready for a pet?
2 Responses to “Is Your Family Ready for a Pet?”
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I am very disappointed that you have not even included going to your local animal shelter to find a pet. There are so many wonderful animals wanting and waiting to find a home. I have gotten all my pets from the shelter since I was 6 and I am 61 now. Do yourself a favor ADOPT A PET, you’ll never regret it and neither will they.
Carol,
I am surprised by your comment. The author mentions adoption throughout the article and goes on to talk specifically about rescuing. Perhaps you missed this as you read the article? I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed, but I would encourage you to read the article again as your claim is simply untrue.
Sincerely,
Claire Colvin
Sr. Ed., TruthMedia
http://www.truthmedia.com
http://www.thelife.com