Bringing a pet into the home should create a happy experience for the family as well as the pet.
Once the decision has been made to get a pet, the next step is to determine what type of pet is the best choice. In order to decide, a good idea would be for all family members to sit down and discuss the family lifestyle. Consider some of the following basic topics:
The Amount of Space an Animal Needs
Will the animal be sharing an apartment or a house with a big back yard? A very small dog might work out well in an apartment but a large dog could be a disaster. A cat kept indoors needs only a place for his litter box, and his food and water bowls. There are also many small animals such as birds, fish, hamsters and gerbils that live in various size cages and could be a consideration for just about any habitat.
Time Involved with Pets
Pets require a lot of time. They not only need care, most need companionship. But loving, feeding and playing with a pet are all just small parts of being a responsible pet owner. An indoor dog will need to be walked regularly. Dogs and cats need bathing and brushing. They need regular health examinations. All pet dishes, cages or tanks need cleaning on a regular basis. As a pet owner, you are responsible for the health and happiness of your pet.
Fears or Allergies
It would be terrible if a pet was brought into a home where a family member was so allergic that the animal had to be returned. The same thing could also happen if someone feared the animal. Deciding on a pet needs to be an honest family decision. It might be a good idea for the family to visit the animal being considered a couple of times before making the final decision. Each family member should hold or pet the animal and make sure he is comfortable with it before bringing it home.
Costs Involved
Besides the initial cost of adopting or purchasing the animal and its food and supplies, pets are an ongoing expense that needs to be considered. In general small pets cost less than large animals in food alone. However the yearly expenses of most pets include: routine veterinary visits, vaccinations, licensing fees, grooming, boarding, preventive medicines, toys and replacement accessories. If one lives in an apartment or a rented residence, there is usually a pet deposit charged by the landlord. If the pet gets injured an unexpected veterinary expense could be quite substantial.
Taking the time to analyze the lifestyle, responsibilities and finances of the family could mean the difference between an unpleasant pet ownership that eventually fails and a satisfying long-term happy relationship. Making the correct decision on selecting the perfect pet is in the best interest of everyone, including the animal.
Theresa Doster Hargis - This writer was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but raised in a small parish outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. She was a displaced Southern ...
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