Adopting A Pet

By Nicholas Rodriguez

Before you go and buy a pet on impulse, you should sit back and think. Think about who wants the pet, who is going to take care of the pet, and vital things that will effect the pet's life. You don't want to get a pet, and then realize that you cannot take care of it. You will then either keep it, and it will be mistreated, or you will feed a great deal of stress to the pet by switching homes, and sending it to a new environment.

Why do you want a pet?

Is it the thing to do? Do you want a puppy in a handbag, or a cockatoo because the television shows have a character who owns one? Because the kids want one? For entertainment? Or, to give an animal a loving home and a place to live for the rest of it's life?

Can you afford the pet?

Pets can be expensive. Like hobbies, the expense is not in the initial purchase, but in the day to day expenses of caring for that pet. Vet bills, food, licenses, training classes, toys, grooming--all these things add up. Will you be able to set aside some money each week to be used for your pet care? Or will your pet just be taken care of and things paid for with last-minute money that you scrape up; giving the pet low quality items and food?

Have you got the time?

Do you work 12 hours a day? Work 6 days a week? Commute 60 miles or more one way making your day a very long one? If you own a dog, do you have the time and energy to walk the dog every day? Do you play with the dog? Have time to train your bird and give it attention and affection? Will you set aside some time to research your pet and learn proper care? Will you take it to the vet when needed? Or will you just put these vital things off until you "find time" - which will never happen?

Problem pets?

Can you handle a cat who continues to have accidents on your waterbed? Fleas? Scratching your beloved leather sofa? Can you afford the increase in insurance if the insurance company discovers that you own what they consider (rightly or wrongly) to be a 'dangerous' dog? Will you learn proper ways to discipline your pet, and not be hurtful? Will you understand some pets have problems and need to be worked with to achieve a normality?

Can you own that pet where you live?

You can't own a horse in most places if you have less than an acre of suitable land. Can you own a dog over 30 pounds weight if you live in an apartment? What will you do with your pet if your neighbors complain about the barking and howling? Is your landlord willing to allow you a small furry, such as a rat or gerbil, if they won't allow cats or dogs? Snakes? Fish?

Do you have a suitable space?

Are you trying to keep a pot-bellied pig in a flat with 250 square feet of living space? A Great Dane on a balcony? A horse in your apartment*? Just because the animal is small doesn't mean it can live in a small space. Again - research comes into play: Will you learn suitable keeping/living conditions for your pet?

Are you mature enough to take care of a pet?

Are you in a stable relationship, or will you be required to move a few months down the road, only to have nowhere for you and your pet to go? Do you have small children who can't handle treating animals with caution? Do you have a lifestyle which is on the move constantly, such as being in the military?

Are you willing to be a responsible pet owner?

A responsible owner will have the funds to pay for pet licenses, will obey community laws requiring dogs to be on leashes, or having their yard fenced. Will you show your animals true affection by planning to take care of their doctor's bills? Can you handle ending your friend's life with dignity when the time comes?

Who will pet-sit for you?

Do you have a responsible adult or mature teen to take care of your animals? Is there a clean, good kennel or cattery? Can you afford a pet-sitter?

Are you ready to spend the rest of your life with this pet?

Yes, it's possible that your cat or dog will probably not outlive you. But what if they do? Do you have plans to take care of them? How about animals such as parrots, or turtle and tortoises, which have very long lifespans? Will you have a will and fund in place just for them in case you go before them?

Animals need love and attention. They can cost a fair amount of money over the pet's lifetime--can you handle this?

These are some questions you should ask yourself before you go and get a pet.

You basically need to research your pet before you get one. Ask yourself these questions, and if you are capable and ready to get a pet of your own, then be sure to have things planned before-hand. Have the supplies ready, etc. Always continue to do research, especially on the internet.

A good way to learn and educate yourself constantly is an internet forum/discussion board. Find one dedicated to the topic of your pet, and learn some information.

Nick Rodriguez; Animal Lover and Owner; Pet & Animal Forum - http://www.pets-galore.net/forum