Pet Question and Answer - Which Is The Best Pet For You?
Sunday, July 27th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
How do I choose the pet that is right for my family?
First of all, never purchase a pet on impulse. Bringing home a kitten or puppy just because it was irresistible is seldom a good idea.
A better option is to discuss the matter of pets with your family first. Make a point to consider the following in your discussion: grooming, daily feeding, playtime, personal attention, veterinary care and house training (where applicable). It would also be a good idea to ask each member of the family why they want a pet. It’s a good idea to make sure your children understand that a pet is another member of the family, not just another play thing, and that the pet’s individual needs should be considered as much as other family members’ needs.
Then, review your lifestyle. Say, for instance, you live in a city apartment or work long hours. Then a cat, fish or bird may be considered. If you have a daily routine of jogging or running, then a dog might be appropriate for you.
If you’d like to understand the needs of a potential pet, make a point of seeking out and talking to breeders and other pet owners. Find local pet shows and talk to the judges. Use Google to search for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you are thinking of purchasing. It goes without saying that you should consider the ages of your children when planning to add a new pet to your household. An often overlooked issue is to consider the life expectancy of the pet and how this will affect your children.
Should I get a pet from a shelter or a pet store?
This is really a matter of personal preference. My personal preference is that it is best to find your new pet at a local shelter. Animals at a shelter are well-cared for by the staff and have had plenty of interaction with people. The shelter’s staff will tell you about the animals’ temperament so that you can find the pet that is best for you. The staff can give you a good idea of which animal loves children and which dog enjoys long walks. Furthermore, animals from a shelter have already been treated with the necessary immunizations, and have been spayed and neutered.
If you plan on getting a pet from a pet store, be sure to get a briefing from the store owner regarding that animal’s behavior, especially with dogs, cats and other animals having a good amount of interactions with people.
What is the best way to decide which dog is best for me?
You should follow basic steps in choosing the right type of dog for you:
- Spend time reading pet guides to learn about a specific dog breed’s temperament and background. Use Google to search the internet for more information about the more people-friendly types of dogs.
- Talk with a veterinarian to discuss details about the characteristics and disposition of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about that breed.
- If you are planning to purchase a puppy at a pet store, make sure to ask for the animal’s status — such as its origin, behavioral problems, physical problems and the breed’s anomalies. Otherwise, you can also get dogs or puppies from animal shelters or from a private breeder.
- Of course, one of the very best methods (though not very scientific) is to find out from your friends’ and associates about their own experiences with various types of dogs they have owned in the past.
About the Author: Pet expert Paige Harbold gives her ideas on subjects such as how to Adopt a Pet and where to find the best Large Dog Cages and Crates. As editor of Pet-HQ.com, she offers expert pet information.
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