A quick guide for pet parents

So you are all set to bring a pet home. But keep in mind, keeping a pet is a huge responsibility and an emotional investment. Are you ready for that? ADC gives you a few dos and don’ts of having a pet…just a few tips on how to make your home a comfortable and loving place for your pet, and how you can understand your pet better. Rest assured, having a pet will be the best thing that will happen to you!

Dos:

• Take your sweet time deciding on which pet... this is a very important decision, and the deciding part is a whole lot of fun.
• Carefully consider what aspects of your life are going to change with the acquisition of this pet, and especially reflect upon whether you truly have the time, energy, situation and need for this animal.
• Determine what provisions you will need to shelter, feed and care for the pet, including the costs of such responsibilities.
• Consider a range of animals, not just the one you had in mind at first... you might find something that is even more appropriate for you.
• Throughly research the animals you are considering.
• Carefully consider what is going to happen to this pet as it grows, and determine whether you are really committed to caring for this pet long after its ‘cute baby phase’.
• Talk with people who own or breed the type of pet you are considering.
• Check a variety of sources to compare quality and prices before acquiring the pet.
• Consider checking with your local humane shelter or rescue organisations to aquire a pet that really NEEDS you!

Don’ts:

• Acquire a pet on impulse or on a whim.
• Acquire a pet as a gift for someone else. Pets are a huge responsibility, not something to be handed out like a necktie or flowers. Prospective pet-owners (even children) should go through all of the steps listed above in the “Do” section for themselves.
• Acquire a pet if your living situation is likely to dramatically change within a short period of, possibly preventing you from devoting the time, energy and overall care your pet needs.
• Acquire a pet from an individual or establishment that is clearly not taking good care of the animals.
• Even consider obtaining a pet from a source that provides no health guarantee or opportunity for you to have the pet checked by your vet.
• Think that you must quickly purchase a particular animal because it is the one and only one of its kind; there are always more, and they are all special.
• Rush home with your new pet and invite the entire neighborhood to see it; allow it a chance to settle in.