6 things to consider before getting a pet
The most common reasons people give for surrendering their pets to shelters include changes in the owners’ living conditions and the high cost of food (maintenance). These excuses are very clear in their origin, i.e. people’s decision to have a pet at home is often ill-considered and haphazard, with no idea of the long term effort that will be required to care for the animal’s welfare.
People forget that the most important part of the pet ownership process is being able to honestly answer a seemingly simple question: do I really want to keep and care for an animal? If you are passionate about the idea, take a moment to cool down and weigh the idea again. A few specific questions and your own honest answers will help you avoid a painful situation for you and your animal in the future.
Will you have enough space in your home to keep your pet? Some animals need a large yard to have a place to vent their energy and socialise with other pets.
Veterinary care or treatment in case of illness is often not cheap. Will you have the funds to take care of its health? You will also need money to buy medicines, food, a cage, bedding, a collar and a lead. Some of the costs will be ongoing and will need to be paid monthly.
Think about it, do you value your furniture, carpets and other things in your home very highly? How disappointed and angry would you be if you came home to find your shoes chewed or your sofa torn?
Do you own your own home or will your landlord let you keep a pet? The average lifespan of an animal ranges from four to twenty years, so consider whether you will be replacing your home in the next five to ten years. If you do, you need to consider whether the animal will have the right to stay in the new place and whether you will provide enough space for it.
Will you have enough free time to exercise, play, train and show your love for your pet? You will also need time for feeding, grooming, walks and dealing with your pet’s “pranks”. Will you have enough?
Perhaps you have foreseen that your child will be the pet’s main owner? When your son or daughter says they are going to feed the kitten or clean its box, they will no doubt do it wholeheartedly. However, a child’s attention span is naturally inconsistent, so parents will also need to take the time to complete the various pet care tasks.
Yes, these can be difficult enough issues for any animal lover, but if they do not have enough spare time, space or other resources to ensure the pet’s good health and quality of life, sometimes the choice not to have a pet is the greatest love that can be given.
Which animal is best for you?
Once it is clear that you can truly share your boundless love by taking an animal from a shelter, you need to decide which pet is the best fit for you. The most important criteria are time and space available. If you live in a small rented apartment and are a workaholic (working 12 hours a day), you may prefer to choose from less demanding animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, snakes or turtles. Of course, these animals also need attention – they need regular access to fresh food and water, their cages need to be cleaned frequently and they need to be cared for carefully, as they can get sick quickly.
If you have more space and time, you might consider a dog or a cat. The latter is more independent and relatively easier to care for. They can be happy and entertained in a small to medium sized apartment if they have enough toys and get at least an hour of attention from their owner. In contrast, dogs require the most attention and effort of all common pets. They need to be taken out for walks at least two to three times a day, and they are very social animals and need a lot of play and affection.
Dogs also have the widest variety of breeds. Think how different the care would be between a Yorkshire Terrier weighing one kilo and a Mastiff weighing 70 kg or more. If you decide to have a dog, consult your vet to find out which breed would be best for you in terms of size, temperament, care and energy levels. Don’t forget mixed breeds, which often combine the best characteristics of several breeds.
If you decide to have a puppy or kitten, pay attention to its age too. Puppies are extremely cute, but they need to be ready to be housebroken and socialised. You will therefore have to do these tasks yourself to the best of your ability. They are much more mischievous and noisy than older animals and will have to clean up their mess much more often.
Finding a true friend
And so we come to the most exciting part – choosing a new companion. Buying from a pet shop is usually not a good idea, as they come from places that do not treat them very well. Buying from a breeder may not be a bad idea, but find out how experienced the breeder is and whether they breed animals with genetic abnormalities.
One of the best ideas is to get a pet from an animal shelter. Not only are you saving hundreds of litres by taking in a pet, but you are also saving an animal from neglect and euthanasia. The staff at the shelter can help you make the best choice, as they know each of their residents well and at the same time monitor their well-being and behavioural problems. They can also tell you their stories, how they were treated and why they ended up at the shelter.
Getting to know
Try to spend some time with your pet before you take it home. Sit next to it and start playing. This will not only help the animal to get used to you more quickly and easily, but will also make sure that it is social, responsive and healthy. If you notice some signs of helplessness, chronic illness or behavioural problems, it does not mean that you cannot take it with you. However, you will have the opportunity to check with your vet or the shelter owner to make sure that you have all the means to care for him properly. Living with special needs animals can be an invaluable example for you, but again, it takes time and commitment.