What to consider before getting a pet

GETTING A PET – IS IT THE RIGHT THING FOR YOU?

Before you take on a new pet it is important to ensure you are ready to take on the commitment and responsibility that comes with owning a pet. If you rehome an animal from a rescue centre, this can be really rewarding but remember, they have, for whatever reason, already lost at least one home so you have a responsibility to ensure they won’t be abandoned again if they come home with you.

Before taking on a pet think about the most suitable pet for you. A rescue centre will be able to help you weigh up the options available to you. If you have children, ensure the pet you choose is well socialised and is used to children. Think about the time you would have available. Owning a dog requires time and patience in order to train them, make them comfortable in different situations and with new people and animals in the family. If the adults in your family work full time and cannot get home during the day then a dog is not for you. A dog will need regular walks and exercise as well as social interaction. Leaving them all day in the garden where they can toilet if necessary does not take into account their need to socialise and interact.

If you cannot devote the time to a dog then you may be better to consider a cat as a pet. They are naturally more independent than a dog and can cope with being left alone for longer periods during the day. Kittens should not be left alone for any length of time. Although cats are more independent than dogs they are very sensitive to their environment and changes that occur around them. As a result they deserve and need the stability and security of a permanent home.

Time is not the only thing to consider when getting a pet; there is also the cost to consider. On average it costs £10 a week to feed a dog (not including treats!). As well as feeding, there are other costs as well:

All dogs and cats should be vaccinated annually. An initial course of vaccinations can range from £60-£120 with yearly boosters costing between £30 and £60.

As well as annual boosters all dogs and cats should be treated for worms and fleas every 3-6months.

If you get a dog or cat from a rescue centre, the chances are they will have been neutered. However, if they have not then the cost of neutering can be anything up to £200-£300 (dependent on type of pet and the operation involved.)
Other costs not to be forgotten include pet insurance, boarding costs if you go away, bedding and any unforeseen veterinary bills.

Remember that a fit, healthy dog or cat can easily live for 16 years (and often more). As a result, no pet should be bought on a whim. Take the time to decide what type of pet will suit your family’s lifestyle. Consider how experienced a pet owner you are, the time and money you have available and the level of commitment owning a pet requires. Once you have decided on the best type of pet for you, stick to the decision, as it can be far too easy to be tempted by a cute and cuddly puppy when you really should not take one on. If you do obtain a pet from a rescue centre, the staff should be able to discuss your situation and help you make the decision of what pet would suit you best. This will hopefully lead to you finding a fantastic friend and companion.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN GETTING A PET

Male or Female?

Young or Older?

Pedigree or Mongrel?

Coat type?

Size?

Male or Female?
This is really based on your own personal choice. However, you may want to consider meeting both the dog and the bitch of your chosen breed. This will give you an idea of the differences between them; for example, male dogs are generally bigger than females. The only other time this issue is worth considering is when you have another dog at home. Dogs of the opposite sex do tend to get on better in the same household than two of the same sex, depending on individual characters. Another important factor to consider if you have two or more dogs is to get either one or all of them neutered. This will prevent any unwanted puppies, can prevent mammary and testicular cancer and can help behaviour problems, especially in male dogs.

Age
Consider very carefully whether you want a puppy or an older dog. The younger the dog is, the more active it is likely to be. A young dog is also more likely to have less than perfect manners; people often take on puppies without doing the proper research. Once the ’cute’ stage has worn off, or the puppy has become too big or too boisterous, it is often neglected or handed in to a rescue centre. While a younger dog will be less set in its ways, dogs of all ages are very adaptable and most will fit in eventually. You can teach an old dog new tricks, but it may take slightly longer. Older dogs tend to be calmer and require less exercise, which may be an advantage if you are elderly yourself. They will be more likely to tolerate being left at home for short periods of time while you are at work and they should be used to living as a pet dog.

Coat type
Every different type of dog – and there are many – has a different amount of hair, of varying length. Consider what type you would like and can care for. Would you prefer a long-haired dog that would require daily grooming to prevent unwanted matting and to get rid of loose hair, or would you find it easier to cope with a short-haired dog that will only require grooming once a week? Even if you have an allergy to dog hair there are certain breeds – such as the poodle – that are non-shedding.

Size
The size of your home and garden should dictate the size of your chosen pet – a large dog in a one bedroom flat with no garden is not sensible. However, size is often less important than a dog’s energy levels – large dogs do not necessarily need more exercise than small dogs, but almost always require more space. You also need to consider what size of dog you are physically able to handle – for example, a dog that you can take for a walk, not one that walks you! Be realistic about the size of dog that will suit your home and lifestyle.