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1. Adopt a pet for the
right reasons - make sure this is not a spur
of the moment decision; or that your children are
hounding you, or you saw a cute furry face in a window.
2. Consult your entire
household - the entire household that will
reside with the pet needs to be in agreement about
adopting it. Also confirm that you will be able
and willing to care for the pet when the children have
lost interest or moved out.
3. Consult with your
veterinarian - Many health and care factors
need to be considered when adopting certain breeds of
dogs and cats. Many exotic animals need special care.
Make sure you do your homework.
4. Consider your
lifestyle - Are you home or do you
travel/work away from the home most of the day? Will
your children or other pets be able to interact well
with a new pet? Are you willing to train? Is
your home belongings suitable for new puppy or kitten
characteristics and do you have the time and ability to
provide obedience training?
5.
Evaluate living accommodations - Check with
your landlord to confirm pets are acceptable. Do you anticipate a move in the near
future?
6. Not everyone can
live with a pet - Confirm that any of the household
members are not allergic to pets or fearful of pets (or
that type/size).
7. Time Management
- Are you and the household members able to train,
feed, clean up after, groom, exercise, socialize, play
and offer companionship to that animal?
8. Budget expenses for
your pet - Can your household afford to pay
for food, toys, bowls, collars, veterinary services
(vaccinations/spaying/neuturing), cages, training, kitty
litter, and other needs?
9. Pets need room to
roam - Are you able to accommodate the proper
space necessary for that animal to roam, play, and
sleep?
10. Pet Troubleshooting 101
- Are you ready to deal with issues that can occur from
owning a pet like chewed or scratched furniture, flea
infestations, accidents on the good carpet, behavior
problems, etc...?
11. Prepare for a
lifetime commitment - Being a responsible pet
owner, means that you'll provide them with all the best
accommodations as necessary even after they're 'cute and
adorable puppy/kitty stages are gone'. Can you say
that you are prepared to be a pet owner for the next
10-20 years (average life span of many dogs and cats). |
