| Choosing a Pet |
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Things To Consider When Choosing a Family Pet.
The question of pet selection is important, because each breed has
unique characteristics. Often, pets are purchased on a whim at a pet
store.
How old are your kids? Different pets are appropriate for different ages.
For example, your 4-year-old who is pleading for a cat is not capable of
taking on the responsibility. A child wanting a pet, is not an indication they
are ready to, or even want to, care for it. For a younger child, consider
an easier pet, such as a hamster or a guinea pig.
Are you educated about what caring for an animal entails? That means
cleaning up bathroom accidents and vomit, picked at furniture if you want
a cat and dealing with other typical animal behaviors. You may get a dog
that barks all night.
Determine what you want from your relationship with a pet.
The question of pet selection is important, because each breed has
unique characteristics. Often, pets are purchased on a whim at a pet
store.
How old are your kids? Different pets are appropriate for different ages.
For example, your 4-year-old who is pleading for a cat is not capable of
taking on the responsibility. A child wanting a pet, is not an indication they
are ready to, or even want to, care for it. For a younger child, consider
an easier pet, such as a hamster or a guinea pig.
Are you educated about what caring for an animal entails? That means
cleaning up bathroom accidents and vomit, picked at furniture if you want
a cat and dealing with other typical animal behaviors. You may get a dog
that barks all night.
Determine what you want from your relationship with a pet.
- Do you want to give and get a lot of attention or would you rather
have minimal interaction with your pet? - Do you love it when a dog or cat jumps into your lap, or would you
prefer more distance? - How do you want to spend time with your pet? (e.g., outdoor
activities or quietly sitting and relaxing) - Is the pet for you or for your kids and will be poked, prodded,
dragged etc. - Will the dog be in the house or in the yard?
- Are you willing to give up things you love, such as the freedom to
come and go as you please, or a couch that will be forever free of
dog or cat hair?
What breeds work best with children? Although some experts say that all breeds are potentially good with children, common sense
says that a friendly, loving breed would be best for interaction with children.
A pet's size has little to do with the level of danger they may present for a young child. Several of the larger breeds are very gentle,
quiet and of even temperament - making great family pets for children of any age, on the other hand there are small dogs that are
very protective and easily agitated and are better suited to older people as opposed to small children.
When you figure out how much you can spend on your pet, remember to think about the following costs:
Whether you're thinking about adopting a dog or cat, purebred or mixed breed, it's important to make sure your favorite type of
animal fits with your lifestyle. You may love border collies, for example, but these active dogs likely aren't a good match for busy
apartment dwellers living in a city. So first become knowledgeable about what kind of animal you want and about what it takes to be
a responsible pet caregiver.
says that a friendly, loving breed would be best for interaction with children.
A pet's size has little to do with the level of danger they may present for a young child. Several of the larger breeds are very gentle,
quiet and of even temperament - making great family pets for children of any age, on the other hand there are small dogs that are
very protective and easily agitated and are better suited to older people as opposed to small children.
When you figure out how much you can spend on your pet, remember to think about the following costs:
- food -- for it's whole lifetime
- containers for food and water
- vitamins and special food supplements
- special heating equipment and lights
- a cage or tank, if needed
- bedding and or litter
- veterinarian visits -- shots, check-ups, or even emergency visits.
- And don't forget other special equipment that you may need-- toys, exercise wheel, cat door insert, saddle, leashes, and SO
ON!
Whether you're thinking about adopting a dog or cat, purebred or mixed breed, it's important to make sure your favorite type of
animal fits with your lifestyle. You may love border collies, for example, but these active dogs likely aren't a good match for busy
apartment dwellers living in a city. So first become knowledgeable about what kind of animal you want and about what it takes to be
a responsible pet caregiver.