Adopting a Pet: Things to Consider Before Bringing Home a Pet

When deciding to bring a new pet into your home, many key factors should first be taken into account. What sounds like a good idea today might prove to be more than you bargained for. Having been the proud companion of many animals over the years, I have comprised a list of issues to consider before making this decision.

Owning a pet is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. The average lifespan of a cat or dog is between 10 and 15 years, while certain bird species can live 75+ years. Are you really willing to make that kind of commitment? Smaller animals such as fish, rabbits, and hamsters often have a shorter lifespan; however, if properly cared for they can live just as long as a cat or dog. Another deciding factor should be how much work you want to put into your pet. Dogs tend to be more high maintenance. They'll need to be walked and played with, bathed and treated for the occasional flea, and of course, don't forget about the pooper scooper. Cats on the other hand are at the other end of the spectrum. They bathe themselves. They do love to play, but if you give them a ball or catnip mouse, they will generally entertain themselves. Their litter boxes do need to be cleaned daily, but you can also train them to go outside or even to use the toilette. Fish can be low maintenance as well, depending on what type you buy. Feeding them once daily and cleaning the tank periodically will be your only tasks.

Once you've decided how invested you want to be in owning a pet, you must think about what animals will best suit your home environment. Larger dogs and outdoor cats will be better suited for homes with big yards, while small dogs and indoor cats can thrive just as well in small homes with little or no yard space. It is also important to pick the pet to fit the family. Certain breeds of dogs don't always mix well with children. Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers are two such breeds. Chow Chows tend to like only one person, and they won't always thrive in a large family. It is important to know which breeds will best work with your family dynamic.

Once you've decided on a pet, research the location you intend on obtaining the pet from. Pounds generally keep an animal for only a few days before euthanizing. That means that there is no incubation period. Puppies and sickly dogs often catch Kennel Cough which is easily treated and Parvo which is far more expensive to treat. Parvo is a painful death, and it is hard to watch. If you don't want to expose your children to this suffering, you might consider getting a pet from another kind of shelter. The Humane Society, and many other services like it, will quarantine animals and treat the sick. They do not euthanize if they can help it, but they do pass all of the treatment fees on to you. You might end up spending several hundred dollars to adopt a dog or cat because you are paying for all of it's necessary treatments. These shelters are often very selective. There is an application process, and you can't even look at the animals until you fill out a thorough questionaire which includes a credit check. They even go as far as to require references from your vet, and they often refuse people for stupid reasons. I was not allowed to look at the kittens because I don't have a fenced in yard, while my aunt wasn't allowed to adopt from there because she once adopted a dog from the pound. Also, be wary of some no kill services. They often go to the pounds and kill shelters taking all the animals that are about to be euthanized. While this is admirable, you stand the same chance of adopting an ill animal that you would have at the pound. Be wary of pet shops. These animals are often bred at mills where the sole purpose is quantity not quality. These animals are inbred, and as a result they are often sickly or nervous.

Adopting a pet can be one of the most enjoyable experiences. I hope that with these tips, you are able to make a more informed decision.