How to choose a pet

Choosing a Pet

Sharing your life with an animal has great benefits and can bring you great joy. If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, it’s best to learn about the needs of different types of pets to find one that will best suit your lifestyle.

Questions to ask before picking a pet

Each type of pet is different in terms of care, feeding, behavior, cost, housing and demands on your time. If you know what you’re getting into, you’ll be more likely to have a happy animal, a good relationship with your pet, and an easier time dealing with any challenges that might arise.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider what type of pet to get:

One key question is where to get your new pet. Please consider adopting: There are many wonderful dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals at most local animal shelters. There are also rescue groups for many specific dogs breeds and other types of pets. What’s more, the staff at your local animal shelter can help you find just the right pet for you. They know the animals in their care and can help you make a good match for your personality and lifestyle.

Puppies or dogs

Dogs are very social creatures; they aren’t happy left outside or chained up in the yard alone all the time. If you are thinking about getting a dog, make sure you’re going to be able to spend several hours a day with him or her.

Also, consider carefully what kind of dog to get. Adopting a puppy is a huge commitment, since you cannot leave a puppy home alone all day. Most puppies need to eliminate every two hours or so. Also, in order to co-exist happily with humans, puppies must be taught house-training skills and basic cues such as “sit,” “stay” and “come.” If puppies are not handled often and socialized when young, they will become shy and fearful.

If you’re thinking about getting a particular breed of dog, you might want to read up on various breeds before deciding what type of dog to get. Different breeds of dogs have different characteristics. You can still adopt from your local shelter even if you want a purebred dog, since a quarter of the dogs at shelters are purebreds.

You’ll also want to consider where you live, how much space you have, and what your lifestyle is. For example, very active dogs may not do well confined to a small apartment or living in a big city, unless you are thoroughly committed to providing your dog with plenty of exercise. All dogs should have at least one walk a day outside their home turf, but some dogs need much more. If you are a fairly sedentary person, you probably want to find a dog (perhaps an older dog) who doesn’t require that much activity. Keep in mind that not all small dogs are less active and not all large dogs need a great deal of exercise. You’ll want to learn more about the traits of the dog you’re thinking about getting, even if he or she is a mixed breed, to see if you are compatible.

Dogs need quite a bit of interaction with their humans in order to be happy. If you’re very busy and spend little time at home, a dog might not be a suitable pet for you, unless you can bring your dog along when you’re away from home. You’ll also need to spend some time training your dog to respond to basic cues.

Make sure you have enough money to have a dog. Costs associated with dog care include food, toys, leashes, a crate, training, grooming, spay/neuter surgery, routine vet care and, sometimes, emergency vet care.

Whatever dog you choose, keep in mind that you are making a long-term commitment, since dogs live 10 years or more. Your dog will need attention, love and respect from you: food and water are not enough. Dogs need to be part of the family.

Kittens or cats

Contrary to popular opinion, many cats are social animals and love attention. Though most cats don’t require as much attention as dogs, they still need play time and petting on a daily basis. Spending time every day with your kitty can be the difference between a happy cat and a bored cat.

Make sure you have enough money to have a cat. The costs of caring for a cat include food, toys, litter and a litter box, spay/neuter surgery, and vet care.

Here are some other things that you need to know before adopting a cat:

You’ll have to make a decision about whether to have an indoor or outdoor cat. Many organizations (including Best Friends) will not adopt cats out as outdoor pets because of the risk of disease or injury. In most locations, indoors is a much safer place for cats. Indoor kitties live longer and are generally healthier. You’ll want to provide your indoor kitty with plenty of toys and regular play time. You might also think about adding a cattery or cat enclosure to your home so your cat can enjoy the outdoors safely. (For more information, see our cat resources.)

Cats can be wonderful companions, but before you get a cat, make sure you are willing to make the commitment to provide your cat with the necessities, and you will not mind adapting your life a little bit to accommodate your new feline family member.

Birds

Birds are fascinating and beautiful creatures, but they are not easy-care pets. They are intelligent, social animals and need plenty of attention. Before you add a bird to your family, make sure you’re willing to spend time with your feathered friend each day. Also, in the wild, birds are flock animals, so if you’re thinking about getting a bird, you might think about getting two. Life alone in a cage is not much of a life for a bird.

In nature, birds cover a large amount of territory, so they are ill-suited to life in a small cage. At minimum, a bird’s cage should be large enough so that he can spread his wings fully and “fly” from one side to the other (a width of at least four wing spans). If there’s a room in your house where your birds can safely be let out during the day, a smaller cage to sleep in is OK.

Some birds are also a lifetime commitment; many types of parrots can live 50 years or more. If you’re thinking about getting a parrot, there are some details you should know about their care:

To lean more about bird care and adoption, see our bird resources. You can also visit the Avian Welfare Coalition website at www.avianwelfare.org.

Rabbits

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals who need affection. They can become wonderful companion animals if given a chance to interact with their human families.

Here are some things you should know about rabbits:

For more information, see our rabbit resources. You can also visit the House Rabbit Society website at www.rabbit.org.

Ferrets

Ferrets, who belong to the weasel family, have distinctive, engaging personalities and a playful, active nature. They are very social, often affectionate creatures who bond closely with their people.

But, they are not low-maintenance pets. They require a particular diet and constant cage cleaning. They shouldn’t be left in a cage long-term; they require play time outside their cages every day and they must be supervised, since their inquisitive nature can lead to mischievousness.

Ferrets’ high metabolism, fairly long lifespan (eight to ten years), and strong personalities mean they are not the perfect pet for everyone. If you aren’t home much, have young children, or have a busy lifestyle that would prevent a ferret from roaming freely, then a ferret is probably not a good choice for you.

Horses

Horses fulfill many roles and are a source of enjoyment for many people. However, horses require a serious commitment of time, money and care. A horse will require grooming and other care that require a minimum of a half an hour a day, often more. They are a long-term commitment, since a horse can live up to 30 years.

You should also give some thought to whether you are willing and able to care for a horse who is no longer sound enough to ride, due to age or injury. Almost every horse will need such care, and no horse should ever be abandoned or sold for slaughter because he or she is no longer “useful.”

If you are thinking about getting a horse for your child, make sure that your child’s other activities will fit in with a horse. Does someone in your family have the experience to care for a horse? If not, are you willing to learn? If you have any doubts about your child’s level of interest, you might want to try leasing or sharing a horse before committing to owning a horse.

Potbellied pigs

Potbellied pigs are extremely intelligent and sensitive creatures who can make wonderful companion animals, but they are not the right pet for everyone. They require caregivers who are knowledgeable about their care and behavior, and are committed to providing them with tender loving care and mental stimulation. One very important consideration is whether your community is zoned for potbellied pigs.

Choosing The Right Pet to Fit Your Lifestyle

Nothing is more exciting than searching for the perfect pet. Getting to know and fall in love with a new, lovable companion and welcoming him or her into your life can be an extremely rewarding experience — one that will go smoother if you put some forethought into it. Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment that requires us to seriously consider our needs, lifestyle, and resources.

When looking to adopt a pet, one of the first things we notice is their appearance. We might take into account their size, coat, and any obvious physical characteristics, but there are many other factors beneath the surface that can determine whether the pet will be a good match for us.

How do I know which pet is right for me?

When it comes to choosing the right pet for your lifestyle, it’s important to consider factors such as energy level, dietary needs, required training, common medical issues, and proper environment. These can all have an impact on your pet’s health and happiness, as well as your ability to properly care for them.

Energy level

A cat or dog’s energy level can be a critical determinant of whether or not your lifestyles will be compatible. Higher energy dogs are usually best suited for someone who lives an active lifestyle, or is able to take frequent walks. Lower energy dogs, however, typically do well under the care of a person who enjoys a lot of downtime, or a working professional who spends daytime hours away from home. Most dogs require 30 minutes to two hours of exercise per day, though this depends on the breed, age, and overall health of the dog. While cats can spend as much as 14 hours a day sleeping, engaging them in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes per day is usually recommended.

Temperament

Like people, all animals have unique personalities and temperaments that are displayed in their habits or behavior. While some dogs are more outgoing, social, and crave attention, others can be more laid back, calm, or even shy. It’s important that the pet feels comfortable in their new home, so consider what your needs are and what type of environment the pet will be living in. For example, dogs or cats that are more low maintenance, patient, friendly, and gentle will usually make good family pets. On the other hand, more active, sensitive or protective dogs usually do best living with one individual who understands and accepts their needs.

Special Needs: Dietary or Training Requirements

Also, consider special dietary requirements based on age, size, and breed, as well as any formal training requirements. While many common breeds of dogs and cats require minimal or basic training, some may require more advanced or specialized training. This is particularly true with hunting dogs, service dogs, or high-maintenance breeds that have an intrinsic desire to work.

Common Medical Issues

While there is no guarantee, certain breeds of dogs and cats tend to share a propensity for developing particular medical issues. When looking to adopt a pet, it will be important to research the types of medical problems, if any, that are common among the breed of dog you’re considering. You’ll also want to consider things like lifespan, cost of any related surgeries, ongoing care or preventative maintenance, or other unforeseen events that could arise as a result of medical troubles. Don’t just assume you can deal with a medical issue if and when it arrives—be prepared and proactive.

Be Honest

Ask yourself honestly how much time, money and energy you are ready to devote to your pet.

Being a responsible pet owner goes beyond love. It sometimes involves sacrifices or changes in lifestyle, and it is a lifetime commitment. Of course, sometimes there are factors beyond our control that may necessitate finding our pet a new home. In that case, organizations like Get Your Pet can help to find the perfect new home for your pet.

How to Choose the right pet [All the Tips]

Some questions to ask yourself before choosing your pet

We all know the promises of children, they usually last only a few days, especially when they find themselves faced with the harsh reality of cleaning the litter of the cat, to get out the dog or the puppy to make his needs even in the rain, to clean the cage, the aquarium, to take his showers to your pet, to rid him (of his fleas if he has some, to train him … etc

These are just a few questions to ask yourself before even thinking of adopting a new pet, let’s see now the other aspects you need to think about as well to pick the best pet for you, your parents and kids

Somme Tips When You pick a Pet

Here are some tips and how to prepare yourself when you want to choose your pet

1-Choosing the right pet for you

The choice of your pet will depend on a few factors, such as the time you can spend on it on a daily basis and the budget you will allow yourself to take care of it

Choosing a dog or cat or any other pet must be taken seriously, so that you do not have to get rid of it in the near future, because you can no longer take care of it, feed it or take care of it…etc

A cat requires less attention than a cat, and fish for example you will only have to feed them once or twice a day as long as you also put a cleaning fish in the aquarium

Small pets such as rodents, hamsters,… are very fun and easy to maintain but if your child will get attached to them, he may be disappointed because they do not live very long and are very fragile, so be prepared to part with them faster than you think if you choose this kind of pets

You can however choose birds as long as they are trained, they are very cute and do not require much presence.

You will find that each animal will have its own needs in terms of daily care, nutrition, housing and grooming and it is up to you to make the right choice, because after you have bought your pet your children will get attached to it and get rid of it will become almost impossible.

2-Picking a Pet that you can treat if he gets sick

A pet can also get sick, so think about the cost of veterinary examinations, preventive care such as vaccines, sterilization…

3-Choosing the right pet will depend on the time you spend at home

If you or a member of your family spends a lot of time at home, or there is always someone at home, you can buy a Terrier dog as a pet.

But if you are away from home for a long time and your pet will often be alone, choose a cat instead, who can stay alone for two days as long as food and water are available.

4-Choosing the age of your pet

Puppies and kittens are very active, and require more time, care and attention than an adult dog or cat

Adult pets can also show behaviours they inherited from their former owners, check your pet’s aggressiveness before adopting it, especially if you have babies at home, and you need to think about your neighbours too.

The age of your pet is very important so make sure you make the right choice

5-Think about the lifespan of a pet before picking one

If you are only lonely, know that this is not a valid reason to adopt a pet, cfar when you are about to meet someone or have a baby,…etc this feeling of loneliness will disappear and you will find yourself with a sad pet to whom you are no longer giving affection and attention as before

Some parrots and turtles live very long, a dog will live for about twenty years, while a little mouse will only live for a year at most

6-Inform yourself about your pet before making a choice

When you decide which pet you will adopt, find out about its habits, needs, care, how much your pet will cost you to maintain it well, feed it, treat it, take it for walks, daycare centres, etc.

Talk to people who have the same pet as the one you want to adopt, ask them for advice, and prepare for the first meeting with your pet, find out for example:

You can also find forums and Facebook pages specialized in your pet’s breed to get to know your pet better in order to ensure a good environment and especially learn to decipher the animal language and understand how to interpret the signals your pet will send you when he wants you to understand his needs

Also find out how your pet will behave in the presence of other breeds of animals, other people, the precautions to take when you take your pet for a walk in the park or only outside…etc

7-Read and understand the adoption contract

Once you have found and chosen your pet, don’t rush when you read your purchase or adoption contract
If you don’t understand something, you can always ask the seller or the person in charge of the pet shelter or pet store

8-Put your pet through a medical examination

When adopting your pet, take it to your veterinarian for examination if it does not have any diseases that you may not have noticed before

I will now give you advice for each breed of pet you like to have, I have chosen the most common breeds in the USA

Before choosing a cat

A cat usually takes care of itself, it is always cleaning its whiskers and licking his paws.
The cat has his character, your child will not be able to force him to play with him, and cats are known to scratch when they are upset

If you don’t let your cat get obese by locking her up at home all the time, and if you do her preventive treatments. Cat rarely gets sick, and a few kibbles will do for her all day long.It is a very economical and independent pet too, it will not require your permanent presence at home

A cat does not pose a risk to babies and if well trained, will often go outside to do his business or only in his litter box

If You Want To Choose A Cat As Your Pet, Here Are The Breeds I Recommend:

Choose the right dog

The bigger a dog is, the more space it needs, so if you live in a small apartment, think about choosing a breed that doesn’t grow too big, a poodle or a chihuahua would be ideal for you

You should seek advice from a veterinarian, breeder or dog educator on the habits and needs of the breed of dog you want to adopt, before you choose your dog, this could avoid any unpleasant surprises

You and your children must be up to date with your tetanus vaccinations, a dog can always bite and a cat will not hesitate to scratch a clumsy child when he handles him or wants to remove his bowl.

How to choose and adopt the right Shelter dog for you

The Dog Breeds I Recommend You Are:

Picking the right guinea pig for your kids

Taming a guinea pig takes a long time, but once he feels comfortable and confident with you and your child, he will become very affectionate

Before choosing a Guinea pig , you should know that he likes to be pet and kissed and he will therefore ask for a great availability from you because he hates loneliness.

If you adopt a guinea pig, you must be careful when you or your children handle it, their bones are very fragile and they easily break, so you must teach your children to take it and handle it with great tenderness and care.

Choose the perfect dwarf Bunny

A hamster is known to be very active, especially at night, it climbs and jumps everywhere, you will love its capers and see it running everywhere in the house

Unlike a guinea pig, a hamster is not easily manipulated, it is rather lonely and your children will not necessarily like it if they want a pet that likes contact and company, so don’t choose a hamster and adopt a cat, a guinea pig or a dog instead

Before you get a hamster, it’s preferable to know that they don’t have a good life expectancy and they could die at any moment !!

Selecting The Fancy mouse

Your children will love her, she is very dynamic, energetic, intelligent, active even during the day, she would make a good play partner and your children will not get tired of her.

A Domesticated mouse doesn’t live long, you have to prepare your children to part with it in less than a year, if not to buy another one secretly when it has just died, it doesn’t often work this trick

The ferret as a family pet

Picking a fish or an axolotl

If it’s for you, an aquarium with about ten small fish in it would be ideal, especially for an apartment that doesn’t offer a clear view.

But if your child asks you to, buy a small aquarium with just one or two fish in it instead, your child may get tired of it quickly enough because, apart from feeding the fish twice a day, he can only watch them swim

Tips before choosing Reptiles and spiders as a pet

They are never pets for children, often carriers of germs and salmonella if you buy them in a healthy pet shop and followed by a veterinarian

You must also be careful with snake bites and stings, even those that are not poisonous, they can be very painful, especially for a child

In my opinion, this kind of pets, don’t belong in a house where children live, but if you are passionate about this kind of exotic animals, you should take all the precautions that go with it and have your smartphone with an emergency number always at hand

Expert advice and guidance is often required before buying these types of pets

9-Choose the pet you can care for

Choosing a pet will also depend on your ability to vaccinate it, make it undergo regular visits to the veterinarian, treat it if it is sick and take out insurance too, it could very well save you a lot of money, because a pet could cost you a lot of money to treat it, in case of serious illness that would require a surgery for example

You should plan ahead your pet care

The choice of your pet will depend on your ability to care for it, also take this into consideration when you want to adopt a pet

10-Choose your pet from a good licensed breeder and choose the right breed for you

You should find a reputable pet resource

when you want to choose a pet for yourself or your family, whether it is a dog, cat or other animal, you must absolutely seek the services of a serious breeder and the advice of a veterinarian to indicate the right breed that will suit you

See also his parents, have they not developed diseases, signs of aggressiveness…etc

Don’t choose a dog for example that could make you lose control in a few months, there are crossbreeds that become a little aggressive, and simply out of control especially for a woman or a child

Last advice on this subject, don’t buy your pet online, it’s just not appropriate and you’ll receive a pet you simply wouldn’t have chosen if you were there!

Final Thoughts

We adopt pets,some times just to watch over the house, to please our children, to keep us or our old parents company, but having a pet at home is also about looking after his well-being, taking care of him and caring for him when he is sick, comforting him when he seems sad and treating him like a member of a family.

Leave me your questions in a comment, I will gladly answer them

How to Choose a Pet for Your Family. Ч.1

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How to Choose a Pet for Your Family

Part 1

When buying a pet for your family, take the time to learn which pet is right. It is a subjective (субъективный) decision that should take a lot of thought and consideration. There are many factors to consider when buying a pet. Review the following list for steps to take if you want to choose the right pet for the family.

Steps

1. Consider your finances before choosing a family pet. Some pets are more expensive to take care of than others. With a goldfish, you just need to feed it and maintain its tank, after the initial expense of purchasing a tank, rocks and decorations. Tropical fish, whether they are fresh water or salt, are more expensive and require more equipment, such as a filter and heater. Larger pets, such as dogs and cats need more food, beds and toys. They also need regular checkups and seasonal medications. Consider the expenses incurred on a regular basis when selecting a pet. Remember also, that when a pet gets older or sick, the vet bills are larger.

How To Choose A Pet For Life

Bringing a new pet into your home is a huge but rewarding upheaval. You’re welcoming a new family member, one who requires food, attention, care and time. But we can’t just wedge a new cat or dog into our already packed schedules and hope for the best, assuming they’ll adjust to our lifestyles in an instant.

In fact, making sure we carefully consider and integrate new pets into our lives is critical if we want to help minimize the number of unwanted pets around the USA and take some pressure off overfilled shelters.

It’s devastating — and almost incomprehensible — to think just how many pets become victims of homelessness in the USA and around the world. Mars Petcare has just launched a State of Pet Homelessness Index to bring awareness to this overlooked issue. Up until this point, measuring the widespread impact of pet homelessness has been tricky. Data is patchy and it’s unclear how effective various initiatives aimed at curbing pet abandonment and homelessness have been.

With data from over 200 global and local sources, Mars Petcare’s Index gives a measure of pet homelessness at a point in time for 9 countries around the world, including the United States. The scale of the problem makes for grim reading: In the USA alone, there are nearly 48 million homeless dogs and cats, including 41 million street or stray cats, 1.3 million street or stray dogs and 5.4 million cats and dogs living in shelters.

If you’re considering a pet for your family, here are some factors to think about (and research intensely) ahead of becoming a new “pet parent.”

Finding Your Perfect Match

Financially, emotionally and practically, a pet is a big decision for an individual, couple or family. Just like falling for a charming face on its own isn’t the best way to choose a life partner, finding the right pet for you involves various considerations — even before you’ve brought your new family member home.

Everything from your previous pet-owning experience to the type of residence you live in (if you’re renting, have you triple-checked you’re allowed to have pets?) needs to be established before you even start thinking of breeds. Simply turning up and choosing the pet who looks the cutest isn’t a good strategy.

There are lots of resources for those looking for help when it comes to choosing a cat or a dog for your family, online and in person. If you’re looking to add a dog to your family, an online quiz at a site created by the Pedigree® brand will ask you questions about your home and lifestyle to suggest dog breeds that you might want to consider.

Shelters can be very useful for providing information on what breeds might suit your lifestyle, how to care for them and things to keep in mind while on your search for your perfect match. They’ll also give you an opportunity to see and interact with their rescue pets. Turnover tends to be quick so if you are in the market, visit shelters every few weeks to learn about different breeds and personality types.

Ahead of getting a pet, be prepared to ask tons of questions at the shelter. You’ll want to know how your future pet ended up there; what their background is; and what are their likes, dislikes and triggers. Similarly, you’ll be vetted by a shelter as a prospective pet owner. They’ll want to know the pet in their care is going to a happy home and whether they’ll have room to sleep, plenty of cuddles and attention, nutritious food, access to veterinary care and more.

You should be asking yourself countless questions before acquiring a pet, such as what length of time you can commit to exercising a dog every day and whether the breed of dog you like is suitable for your home and lifestyle. Knowing what you’re getting yourself into can help you prepare for a new pet’s arrival since all these factors can potentially impact your experience as a pet owner.