Some good information

[gemfyre]

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

• Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.


• Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.


• Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.


• Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.


• Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.


• Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.


• Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? 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 be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.


• Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.


• Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.


• Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Comments

Re: hmmm...

[gemfyre.livejournal.com]

It was posted in the Childfree community, someone commenting that most people should think about the same things before having children (which they indeed should).

I just think it's something everyone needs to take into consideration before getting a pet, there are too many neglected and abused pets out there.

Re: hmmm...

[sycha.livejournal.com]

Actually our pound makes you fill out a BUTT LOAD of paperwork and go through an interviewing process and answer all those same questions.

Re: hmmm...

[gemfyre.livejournal.com]

Awesome :)

Re: hmmm...

[ex-myladysi.livejournal.com]

...someone commenting that most people should think about the same things before having children (which they indeed should).

That's excellent. I love it.

I just think it's something everyone needs to take into consideration before getting a pet, there are too many neglected and abused pets out there.

::nodsnods:: Very good! This is excellent in helping me to not get a cat right now. I mean, I was 99% not going to get one after thinking about it, but this helps even more. Thank you!

Re: hmmm...

[gemfyre.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it kinda sucks when you'd really love a pet (or another pet in your case) and you know you have enough love for it, but simply lack the resources. I'd love a rat, but time and money and the prescence of a jealous cat that I love to pieces prevent me.

It's much nobler to realise you can't properly care for a pet at the moment than to just rashly get one and not care for it properly. :)

Re: hmmm...

[jet-ski.livejournal.com]

Yer, cats and rats dont mix. My ex had two cats, and i was living with her when I got Fang, hence the rat had to live in my 'den' and the cats weren't allowed in. This was a hard rule to enforce because they were both very demanding kittens, and always wanted to sit on my lap when I was typing my assignments, or playing my guitar. I used to just kick the cats out of the house when i wanted some quality time with her in front of the TV.

My gf wanted a cat, but because of the incompatibility issue we got a rabbit. This was probably not as good an idea as it sounds - he's lovely and affectionate and likes nothing more than to be patted on the head - but damn I wish I had known that they can live for up to 13 years before I got him!