Choosing a Pet
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Things to Consider Before Adopting a Pet
If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy.
And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be
one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us
unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant
companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.
Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require
lots of time, money, and commitment—over 15 years' worth in many
cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through
your decision before you adopt a companion. |
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Things to Consider
The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal
shelter means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you
make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a
moment to think over these questions:
- Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to
ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet.
Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because
the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a
big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even
20 years.
- Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal
companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy.
They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship
every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there
because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to
care for them.
- Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be
quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering,
veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other
expenses add up quickly.
- Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet
can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents
from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical
emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
- Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities
don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make
sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal
home.
- Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids
under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a
few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires
children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a
student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your
work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
- Are your living
arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal
size is not the only variable to think about here. For example,
some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a
great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any
noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite
content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do
some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who
will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
- Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on
vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or
money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
- Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed
or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and
keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a
responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love,
companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary
care are other essentials.
- Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for
his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making
a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.
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Get an Animal for Life!
Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through
an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before
you adopt is so important.
Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens,
victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But
there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more
than a year old—animals who were obtained by people who didn't think
through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the
animal.
Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt.
Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible
rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary
commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of
the pet.
- Provided by the Humane Society of the United States
2006
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