* Question: What should I consider to decide on the pet that is right for me and my family?
In the first place, never buy a pet on a whim. Bringing a cute kitten or puppy home just because it was too cute to pass up can be a mistake.
Rather, you should discuss the matter of pets with your entire family. Don’t forget to consider these points: daily feeding, personal attention, playtime, grooming, veterinary care and house training (if applicable). You may also want to ask each family member why they want a pet. Make sure your children understand that a pet is another family member, not just a toy, and the needs of the pet should be considered alongside other members of the family.
Take note of your lifestyle. Assuming, for example, you live in an apartment in the city or you need to work long hours. In this particular situation an easy-to-care-for-pet like a fish, bird or cat may be a good choice. If you do a lot of jogging or running, then a dog would be a good companion for you.
To get a better idea of the needs of a potential pet, consider talking to breeders and other pet owners. Another good resource is to attend local pet shows and talk to the judges. Go online to search for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you are considering. Of course, it’s always a good idea to consider the ages of your children when planning to purchase a new pet. Not only this, but consider the life expectancy of the pet for bonding purposes.
* Question: Which is best - to get a pet from the local animal shelter or from a pet store like PetsMart?
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, instead, you decide to look for a pet from a pet store, be sure that you get the pet store owner to give you a full briefing of the animal’s disposition, primarily for dogs, cats and other animals that will need to interconnect with humans.
* Question: How should I ascertain the kind of dog that is best for me?
Here are some steps to follow to choose the best 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.
- Find a vet to discuss details about the characteristics of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about the dog’s breed.
- If you decide to purchase your puppy from the pet store, be sure to ask for the dog’s status — for example, the dog’s history, physical or behavioral problems as well as anomalies of the breed. If you do not want to use a pet store, you can also find dogs and other animals at your county’s animal shelter or through a private breeder.
- Lastly, ask for your friends’ assessments and experiences with various types of dogs they have owned.
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