Bringing Home a New Pet

Bringing Home a New Pet - Questions to ask yourself, and how to prepare for a new pet

   Thinking about adding a new pet to your family?  Pets are a popular gift at the holidays, but don’t run out to the local pet shelter too fast.  Besides this being a lifelong commitment there are a few other things to take into consideration before bringing home a new family member.

   Who will be training, feeding, grooming, and exercising your new family member? Ask yourself if you have time to spend with your new pet. How many hours in a day will your pet be home alone while you work? Who will care for your pet when you go away? Dogs in particular are very social animals and need a fair share of attention and exercise. If you have the time ask yourself, can you afford a pet and all the expenses that come along with pet ownership? Besides the purchase price and basic needs such as food, there are shots, visits to the vet, emergencies, chew toys, and grooming expenses, just to name a few.

   Where will you be keeping your pet? What kinds of shelter will you provide for your pet while outdoors? Do you have a fenced yard and if not, how will you contain your pet? Do you have a crate, gate, or confined area for your pet indoors while training?

  Do you know the dog/pet regulations for your area or neighborhood? Be sure to check the laws in your state regarding noise, beach, park, and nuisance ordinances/regulations. Some states regulate or restrict the number of pets you can own. Also check the age at which your pet must be licensed and vaccinated. In addition to state regulations the neighborhood you live in may have regulations regarding pet ownership and containment. All pet owners must be aware of their responsibility to their neighbors and the responsibility of picking up after your pet.

   Have you researched for the right breed to fit your lifestyle and how about the pets lifestyle? Would a Great Dane be happy in a studio apartment? The lush long haired puppy you fell in love with is beautiful, but are you going to have time to groom him every day?  The more you know before you buy the better off you and your new pet will be. Consider age, size, temperament, and coat care. There are certain breeds that are prone to specific abnormalities and diseases. Talk to breeders and owners, research online and at your local library.

   Where are you going to get your new pet? Are you looking for a show or companion pet? Consider a rescue pet. Thousands of pets are abandoned, neglected, and rejected each year due to various reasons. Most are due to behavior problems that could be avoided, others may be due to a death in the family or the economic downturn leading to owners sadly not being able to afford to take care of their pet. There are breed specific rescues, humane societies, and pounds that offer loving pets of all ages, sizes, and breeds waiting to share a life time of companionship with you. We can provide a list of local shelters and contact information.

   What are your plans if you run into training problems with your pet? A well-behaved pet is the result of the pet's owner being willing to work with the pet regularly in a systematic manner. Obedience training schools and classes are readily available in most communities. As well are training books. A poorly behaved pet is a problem for everyone.

   On an emotional level, you must realize this unavoidable truth. Dogs and cats have a fairly short life span compared to humans. You will fall in love with your pet, become totally attached to him and one day have to say goodbye to him or make the impossible decision to end his life. This can be too much for some people to take.

   So with a little common sense mixed with education, discipline, and love you can be a happy responsible pet owner.  There is nothing wrong with admitting, after you’ve research that this isn’t the right time in your life for a pet or you just decide pet ownership isn’t for you at all. Talking yourself into getting a pet when you’re not ready for one will do more harm than good to all parties involved. So be responsible and make an informed mature decision.