Choosing a pet can be a daunting and difficult task. To try help we have some tips to narrow your choices down.
First you need to consider how you want to purchase your pet. Rescue shelters and adoption houses are a good place to start. Did you know there are even breed specific adoption houses if you are set on a specific breed? If going to a breeder do your research and choose carefully. Not all breeders are equal and in NSW anyone can become a breeder as it is not tightly regulated.
Check papers for genetic disease screening and make sure you know if your pet is microchipped, desexed, vaccinated or if this is your responsibility when the animal becomes yours.
Either way, a trip to the vet to do a quick puppy health check is a must as soon as they arrive.
Factors to consider when choosing a pet
1. Space
Some pets need more space than others. You need to ensure that what you have is adequate for the type of animal you choose. This is for the sake of you and your pet. Another consideration is pet restrictions at your accommodation. Be sure to check with your landlord before. Also think about the space itself. Is it safe for your new pet? Things like fencing and main roads are important factors to consider. Some plants are potentially toxic or highly allergenic to pets so take factors like these into consideration. If you need help ask a pet trainer to come and look at your set up to check it’s all in order before you bring your pet home.
2. Your lifestyle and schedule
Living with pets has been shown to have serious physical and mental health benefits. Living with pets also requires a great deal of work and patience. You need to ensure that your pet gets enough exercise. Even if you have a backyard your dog will still need walks, and some breeds will need much more than others. Cats need much less exercise however they still need entertainment and play time.
Another consideration is that when you first get a new pet, they need training. This can take considerable time and effort even with the help of a pet trainer.
Do you travel often? Who would look after your pet?
One thing which can really help when choosing the right pet for you is to write down all the things you want to do with your pet. For instance, if you want to walk 5km every morning or run with your pet then a Pug is probably not a good choice!!
The climate you live in may also play a factor. Some pets do not cope so well in hot or cold climates and need extra care in certain extreme weather situations
3. Allergies
It is very common that people can be allergic to dogs and/or cats. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 15 to 30 percent of all Americans are affected. Although allergies to cats are about twice as common, allergic reactions to dogs tend to be more severe.
Some breeds are less allergenic than other.
There is also a special pet food for cats you can buy (Proplan Liveclear) that reduces the allergens in cat hair and dander making them less allergenic to humans.
4. Age
When purchasing a new pet, you need to consider your own age as well as the age of the animal you are looking for. It can be very rewarding to raise your pet from a young age but remember puppies and kittens can be a lot of work. If you are looking for a more mellow or mature pet, adopting an adult or an older animal could be a great option for you.
5. Financial situation
Pets are not cheap. The first year of pet ownership is likely to cost you between $3000 and $6000 for a cat or dog. Ongoing years may be $1000-2000 each year thereafter. As they become senior often their medical needs increase and costs also increase. This does not factor into account vet bills if your pet gets sick. Pet insurance is a good idea. It is important that we look after our pets properly and spend an adequate amount of money meeting their needs.
Dog specific needs
Dogs need socialisation to live happily amongst humans. Dogs are social animals that need to understand the rules and boundaries of interacting with others in different situations. It’s up to us to teach them what the world is about, and how to respond when they experience something (or someone) new and different. This leads to a safe and well-trained dog for your family and the public.
It is also very important to ensure that your house is dog safe. This may include ensuring that you have a solid fence to prevent other dogs coming in or your dog getting out.
Cat specific Needs
Some people underestimate the work it takes to care for cats. It is true that generally cats are lower maintenance compared to a dog, but they do need attention and love to play and channel their hunting instincts.
Cats get far less problems and are at less risk of injury when they lead an indoor life. Cats can create much destruction to our wildlife when left to roam outdoors. They do however love to play, hunt, lye in the sun and climb so it takes time and money to set up the right scenario for an indoor cat.
There are wonderful cat enclosures you can buy and create to give your cat the best of both worlds whilst also taking care of our wildlife.
There are also many innovative ways you can enrich your indoor environment for a cat with cat shelves and climbing gyms.
Final Notes
We understand that this is a lot to think about but that’s ok. No one should “impulse buy” a pet. You will need to spend time thinking about your life and being honest with yourself about what you are capable of as a pet parent. Living with pets is one of the greatest joys in life and choosing a pet is a big decision so take your time and find the right fit for you.
