Pets are truly members of the family. Over 60% of American https://www.petsblog.org/ have at least one dog, cat, bird, or other companion animal. Many have more than one. Pets are popular because they provide companionship, unconditional love, a sense of safety, and often a service. These are probably some of the reasons why you’re thinking about getting a pet. Animals are fun to be with every day. They reality is they make us feel good!
The most important thing about getting a new pet is that you consider which animal best suits your family. You can start by asking yourself some questions. A pet will become your daily responsibility, so make an informed pet selection. Don’t let the playful antics of the first puppy, kitten, or bird you see or the latest status-symbol pet charm you into accepting a responsibility for which you and your family are not prepared.
There are millions of unwanted pets that have to be put to death each year. Pets selected on impulse, “for the children,” or as a gift during the holidays sometimes end up this way. These pets once belonged who people who fell in love in with them as puppies or kittens and then their minds because of a lack of commitment or bad behavior caused by neglect or poor training.
Selecting a pet should be a family project with everyone’s needs, concerns, fears, and medical history (including allergies) considered. Family members should decide together what kind of animal they want, the amount of time they anticipate spending with it, and the amount of responsibility each person is willing to assume. Be realistic. Promises from some family members, particularly children, may not be fulfilled. Your goal is to identify the best animal(s) for your living space, lifestyle, and budget (don’t forget pets cost money). Take time, involve the family, and follow these nine rules.
Consider these things carefully: your new best friend can become your worst nightmare through no fault of its own simply because you didn’t take the time to think things out. Only good decisions lead to great pets.
Rule 1 – Don’t Be Impulsive
Try not to adopt or purchase a pet impulsively. Make it a deliberate, thought-out action. Buying a pet at a pet shop because it looks so, so adorable is not a good way to add another to your family that could be with you for as many as 10 or 20 years. Sometimes we are not the best judges of our needs and sometimes our desires don’t really fit our needs. Ask a close friend or relative what kind of pet they think would fit your life style. Don’t be impulsive!
Rule 2 – Visit The Humane Society And Other Animal Rescue Organizations
Pay a few walk-through trips to your local humane society or ferret, guinea pig and rabbit rescue organizations and interact with some of the animals there in a quiet one-on-one basis. Don’t pay too much attention to the chatter regarding specific pets. Just observe the pet when it is alone with you and try to make a mental list of its positive and negative points.
