Are you thinking about adding a pet to your family? To help you with your decision, here a few things we would like you to think about:
- Your responsibilities
- Your living arrangements
- Your daily routine
- Financial costs
- Time commitment
- A pet’s lifespan
- Who will be responsible
First of all, let’s think about your responsibilities to your new companion.
Your pet will require a collar and identifications tags that are updated with any changes to your contact information to ensure your pet gets home safely as quickly as possible.
Your pet depends on you for a fully healthy and happy life. Your will need to provide your new pet with regular veterinary care, food, water, shelter, love, exercise, training, and grooming. You will also need to abide by local bylaws regarding your pet (licensing, picking up after your dog etc.)
What are your living arrangements?
Asking yourself the following questions will help us find you the pet that will best meet your expectations and also have its needs met. Do you own your own home or are you renting? If you are renting does your landlord allow pets? Remember, moving frequently can be stressful to pets. Secondly, is the space large enough for the pet and breed that you want? Do you have a fenced backyard so your pet can play safely?
What is your daily routine?
How busy is your family and household? Are you active and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping? Do you work late or have other commitments after work? Do you have any physical limitations? It’s important to consider all your circumstances to make sure that the pet’s needs and your needs match.
Have you thought about the costs associated with routine and unexpected pet care?
The average cost for dogs annually is more than $1,500 (not including onetime costs such as adoption fee, spaying, etc.). Then there are the additional costs of toys, kennelling or pet sitters, grooming and so on.
How much time will you have for your pet?
Animals require varying amounts of time commitment. Depending on the animal, and even the breed, you will need to consider the time you have to dedicate to walking, training, exercising and mental stimulation. Are you planning a move? Going back to school or work? Planning a family? Will something in your life affect the introduction of a pet into your home? Our staff can help you find a pet that will be better able to adjust within your busy life.
What is the lifespan of the animal?
Are you prepared to commit to your pet for its lifetime? Most cats and dogs have a lifespan of 15 years – yet another reason to think carefully about getting the right pet to match your circumstances.
Who will be responsible?
Getting a family pet is a family decision. Children will need time to learn appropriate level of responsibility for looking after the new pet and safe animal interactions. Children can play a very important role in the care of a family pet, but should not be primarily responsible for all pet care so it is important that the entire family agrees upon how the pet will be interacted with and cared for.