Owning a pet can provide hours of fun, interest and companionship. There's a pet that suits everyone, no matter what your lifestyle, space limitations or desires. Getting to know a pet can be immensely rewarding but it’s a long-term responsibility that needs careful consideration. Whether you want a cat or a cockatoo, make sure you adopt the animal for the right reasons, not just on impulse.
One in two households in Britain owns a pet; however, many people find they cannot cope and end up giving their animals away for a variety of reasons. To prevent this happening, people need to consider all the pros and cons of keeping a pet and then to consider which type of animal will best suit their personal circumstances. So what are the key considerations?
Are you getting a pet because your child is pressuring you for one? Giving in to their wishes may bring temporary relief, but it also means a host of long-term responsibilities. Or is it because you want to emulate your favourite celebrity by owning a cute little dog? Many pre-owners don't think about the on-going commitment of caring for a pet that may be with you 10 or more years. The whole family needs to be on board with the decision. Otherwise, chances are, when the novelty of a new puppy, kitten or guinea pig wears off, you’ll be the only one who is taking care of this animal’s daily needs. If you’re not prepared to take on that responsibility, the answer should be No!
Allergies to pets can be controlled, but you may want to consider keeping fish or reptiles rather than a pet with fur or feathers. The protein from the hair, saliva or urine of household pets can cause an allergic reaction that attacks the eyes and the airways and can result in asthmatic or hay-fever like symptoms.
Whether you buy an expensive pedigree specimen or are given an animal, the costs don't stop at daily feeding. Insurance, training classes, spaying and neutering, annual injections and emergency veterinary care, grooming, toys and other overheads quickly add up and continue year after year.
Pets require care and attention every day of the year. The need to train, socialise, feed, groom, exercise and play with a pet cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. Young animals need a great deal of attention and more frequent feeding than adult animals. Consider also that animals such as dogs can’t be left alone in the house all day whilst everyone’s at work or school. The more time you can give to your pet, the more social the pet will be with you.
If you're renting, many landlords don't allow pets at all and others have restrictions on the type you can keep. Evaluate the indoor or outdoor space that you'll need. Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active; they require a great deal of exercise to maintain a calm temperament, and they often bark at any noise, which could annoy your neighbours. On the other hand, some big dogs are quite content to lie on a couch all day once they've had their walk. Before choosing a pet, do some careful research on the characteristics of breeds you're interested in.
The most frequent problem pet owners have is finding someone to care for their pet when they are away. You will need reliable friends, neighbours or family, or the money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet sitting service.
Below is a few facts about individual animals and what they need. Please consider all the facts before taken on an animal as thousands of animals are handed in to rescue centres each year due to sheer ignorance of the basic needs or cost of keeping the animal.
Dogs make very good friends, are intelligent, faithful and fun. But they take up a lot of time and energy, are quite expensive to look after and need plenty of space. A dog is not a good choice for people who are out all day. Dogs should never be left for long periods of time. As pack animals they crave companionship and will enjoy being with their human family whenever possible. All dogs require exercise and large breeds need lots of room to run around. They are great companions for those who love the outdoors and walking to keep fit. A dog is a wonderful choice of pet if you have the time, love, space and money to care for it properly.
What do dogs need?
We would recommend if getting a dog to buy pet insurance as vet bills can be very expensive.
Cats are very independent animals and adult cats can be left alone all day, as long as you give them a lot of love when you get home. They sleep up to 16 hours a day and will be happy to curl up on your lap or watch the world go by from a window ledge. They are generally easier and less expensive to keep than a dog. If you take a cat to be kept indoors they need a lot of stimulation to keep them active and healthy. Scratching posts and climbing frames are great additions and will keep your cat well entertained in those dull moments and will help prevent scratching furniture, carpets and wallpaper. With proper care, cats can generally be expected to live for fifteen + years, so think before you fall for that cute face. Kittens need to have companionship to stop them being withdrawn or distructive. When taking kittens ideally you should take a pair as it's a very daunting for a kitten to be in with all it's litter mates and suddenly on its own, but if taking one, make sure its not left for long periods of time or has other feline company.
What do cats need?
We would reccommend getting pet insurance as vet bills can be extremely expensive
Rabbits can be playful, friendly and loving animals if treated right. Many rabbits have come into rescues due to them not being handled or treated properly so some can be tempremental. Rabbits can be housed both indoors and outdoors. When housed outdoors, rabbits will need a large hutch and an exercise area. Rabbits need plenty of exercise and toys to play with to keep them getting bored. The cage must be cleaned regularly to prevent diseases. Like cats and dogs rabbits also need vaccinations.
What do rabbits need?
Guinea pigs are friendly and easily tamed, but they need commitment and regular attention. Long-haired guinea pigs can be especially difficult to look after. Guinea Pigs can be very skittish and very fast, so should have regular handling. Guinea pigs should have a supply of fresh vegtables on a daily basis and occassionally some fruit as a treat. An average age of a guinea pig is 6-8 years.
What do guinea pigs need?
