Finding the right pet for you
Thursday, September 03 2009
Owning a pet is a serious responsibility which requires careful consideration. Unfortunately, there are pet owners who soon realise that the time, cost and effort involved in caring for a pet is beyond their ability.
Finding the right pet for you
Deciding to bring a pet into your life can be a highly rewarding experience, but how do you find the right pet for you?
Owning a pet is a serious responsibility which requires careful consideration. Unfortunately, there are pet owners who soon realise that the time, cost and effort involved in caring for a pet is beyond their ability.
Taking the time to research various options and assess which fury friend is going to best suit your lifestyle will help ensure that you and your new companion will enjoy a long and happy life together.
Where to start
Consider your living arrangements and long-term plans. Some pet’s life expectancy is over fifteen years, whereas smaller pets like rats for example, have a life expectancy of two and a half years. You must be able to make the commitment either way. Depending on the animal, space and exercise requirements will also vary and this will need to be well thought-out.
Here are some tips to help get you started:
If moving house in the near future is on your agenda, don’t forget to consider places with outdoor access, should your pet require it.
* All pets demand time and money and just how much will depend on which pet you own, but it can also be influenced by what breed and the age of animal you choose.
* Talk to your local pet store to gage how much food and supplies will cost.
* Think about how much time you spend at home and if you will be able to spend enough time with your pet.
* Research the temperament and exercise requirements of different animals. Are you looking for a low-maintenance pet, or one you can walk and play with?
Where to get your pet from?
Once you have decided on what type of pet you are after, the exciting part begins! Choosing a pet is a great experience and the options are plentiful. Before you go to your local pet store, you may want to consider visiting a rescue centre.
There are rescue centres located all over the UK filled with animals that are desperate for a good home. The Blue Cross can offer support and advice about individual pets as well as information about different breeds. The Blue Cross has animals which are ready for adoption and that have been fully health and behaviour assessed, neutered, vaccinated and micro chipped.
Choosing a breeder:
Choosing a pedigree cat or dog may require extra research. Discuss this with a vet and ask for the names of reputable breeders or breed clubs. Ensure that you ask the breeder for all the relevant paperwork including pedigree registration papers, health screening certificates and written medical history, including vaccinations and worming. If possible, it is also a good idea to examine the animal’s parents or any of their litter to see if they have experienced medical problems. Observe their general health, well-being and temperament.
Happy life together
It is important to maintain the general health of your pet through appropriate diet and exercise, visit the vet regularly and keep vaccinations up to date. Pet insurance is also advisable to cover any unexpected vet bills. Each animal has its own personality and behavioural patterns and in time, you will get to know each other and share a happy life together.
Cat
Do not assume that it is always best to take on a kitten, an older cat has much to offer and may be better for owners who are out working, are elderly, or have families with young children. There are many different breeds of cats but most pets are crossbred “moggies”. Pedigree animals tend to be kept for showing, but can also make great pets.
Dog
Dogs can be the most rewarding of pets but also one of the most demanding. Dogs require training, and you will be responsible for teaching good manners and socialising skills. Before you take on a dog, consider what type suits you best. For example, a terrier will have a different temperament from a herding breed, and a guarding breed will be different from a toy breed.
Small furry animals
As with all small furry animals, there needs to be considerable parental interest as children can easily be distracted and forget the daily needs of their pets.
Gerbils
They are burrowing animals by nature and spend many hours digging for pleasure, making them much more fun to observe than to handle. Gerbils are quick and agile.
Hamsters
Nocturnal animals by nature, Hamsters can become quite alarmed if disturbed in the daytime. With quite poor eyesight and easily startled by sudden movements, they make much better companions for adults than for children.
Mice
Mice are small and quick. Male mice have quite a strong smell of musk, but the females have far less smell. For this reason more attention needs to be given to the cleaning regime for males.
Rats
Rats make good companions and it is very important for them to have regular social interaction. Rats need more cage space than mice, hamsters or gerbils, and also like to have various levels on which to rest.
Guinea pigs
Gentle by nature, fun to watch and with a varied and interesting vocabulary, guinea pigs can be a good first-time companion for a child. It is vital that they are with another of their own kind.
Chinchillas
If housed and handled correctly, chinchillas make intelligent, happy and interesting companions. When you know them well and they are happy in their homes, they can be taught to do basic tricks in order to earn a treat! Consideration must be given to their long lifespan, which is approximately 15 years.
Rabbits
Rabbits do make good companions for children as long as their accommodation is correct and the handling is done with sensitivity. It is important that a rabbit has a companion of its own kind.