As mentinoned in the previous post, there are some easy questions which will give you an idea what is the right pet that will fit your lifestyle. Scroll down to view the questions and hopefully by end of the questions, you will be able to identify the right animal for you as pet. The questions can also be found at auspet.com. Happy thinking and answering!
1) Do You Have Room for a Pet?
Active dogs need more space and more daily exercise than older or more sedentary dogs. Some pets may get enough exercise within the confines of a house or apartment. For their own safety, dogs and cats should not be allowed to run uncontrolled but should be walked on a leash or exercised in an enclosed area. Most animals are better kept indoors or in a suitable kennel while you're gone. Cats, birds, and small mammals can adapt to any size living quarters.
2) What Activities Do You Enjoy?
You and your family should discuss the reasons you want a companion animal and what you expect an animal to do with and for you. Most people keep pets as companions, whereas others enjoy animals for showing, breeding, and hunting or for other reasons. Will the animal you’re considering have the temperament and physical attributes to participate in your outdoor activities such as biking, hunting or camping or in quiet pass times at home? If your leisure activities take you away from home, who will care for your pet during your absences? Read about the temperaments and needs of species and breeds, and identify those that best match your lifestyle.
3) How Do You Spend Your Day?
Pets depend on people for daily affection and attention. Young puppies and kittens require time for housebreaking, training and feeding. Are you gone all day? Do you frequently work late? What will you do with your pet during long absences? Feeding, exercise, grooming and play are daily time commitments that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy pet.
4) Do You Have a No-Pets Clause?
Most lessors’ no-pet clauses apply only to dogs and cats while birds or small mammals may be acceptable. If you want a dog or a cat but you lease or condominium association rules prohibit them, ask that the no-pet clause be waived or negotiated. Outline your plan to care for your pet, to adapt to your living environment, and to meet your landlord’s expectations. Assure your association leaders that you are a responsible pet owner who is aware of the importance of a well-behaved animal and a clean environment.
5) How Much Will Your Pet Cost?
The purchase price of animals varies greatly. All pets need food and shelter and most should have regular visits to a veterinarian for health checkups and vaccinations. Depending on the type of animal you choose, other cost considerations include emergency medical treatment, grooming, boarding, licensing, obedience training and accessories. When your family decides it’s time to actually look for a pet, each person should participate in the selection process. A good place to start is a family consultation with a veterinarian to determine the compatibility of your needs with those animals being considered. Veterinarians can offer expert advice on the physical needs, health and behavioral characteristics of animals and can direct you to other resources.
6) What If a Pet Doesn’t Fit Your Lifestyle?
Be flexible. After discussing the role a pet play in your life and talking to a knowledgeable person, you may conclude that your first choice for a pet is not appropriate, so be flexible. Your veterinarian may suggest other companion animals whose needs more closely match your own.
After determining the right pet for yourself, you need to bring your new companion for a checkup. The neighbour, breeder, shelter or pet store where you obtain your pet should allow you to have the animal examined by a veterinarian and to return it within an agreed-upon time if the animal is unhealthy. Do this is as soon as possible before you become emotionally attached to the animal.
Your veterinarian is best qualified to assure you that your new friend is healthy and to administer the necessary vaccinations. At the same time, you can discuss proper nutrition and feeding, surgical sterilization, other preventive health measures and grooming needs.
Before bringing a pet into your home, prepare a special place for it to eat and sleep. At first, try to maintain the animal's daily schedule for play, eating and elimination. Decide where you will exercise your pet. Obtain any necessary accessories such as collar and ID tag, leash, litter box and crate before bringing your pet home. You should pet-proof your home just as you would child proof your home to avoid accidents. Put out of reach harmful cleansers, plants, electrical cords, and breakable objects. Feeding, exercise, grooming and play are daily time commitments that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy pet.
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