CHOOSING A PET

Pets provide us many benefits, including companionship and unconditional love. Considering how much they add to our life, it is important to take the time to evaluate what will be the best pet to fit your personality and lifestyle. While occasionally the “right fit” is made by chance (that stray kitten that comes to your front step), often times people jump into pet ownership with their heart instead of their head.

Before acquiring a pet, you must honestly evaluate how much time you will have to devote to its care. If you work full time and find yourself scrambling to fit other things into your day, then a dog may not be the best choice for you. Puppies, especially, require lots of hands-on attention and care, especially when housebreaking. Many pet owners equate it to bringing home a new baby, without the convenience of diapers. While kittens also require lots of care and attention, most adapt to the litter box without major complications, thus saving you many trips in and outside. (Although, keep in mind, that then means you have a litter box that will need cleaning daily.) We often recommend with kittens that two is better than one. Since play is such an important part of their day, a playmate can help them become well socialized and run off some of that excess energy that otherwise will constantly be directed at you.

Other factors to consider when choosing a pet are breed and activity level. A lively terrier may be a good choice for someone looking for a dog whose bark will offer them some protection, as long as they can tolerate the barking when every single person walks by the house. A viszla can be an excellent hunting companion, but if not exercised on a daily basis, can become bored and destructive. A sun conure bird is beautiful and can learn to talk, but it can also scream incessantly if not given the attention it requires. Cost of properly caring for you pet must be considered also. Vaccinations, unexpected health emergencies, training and daily food requirements can all add up. That mastiff
puppy could someday require thirty pounds of food a month, and costs of medications will often be much more just due to the size of dog being treated.

The most important thing to do is your research, starting with your veterinarian, when it comes to choosing the right pet. At Colonial Terrace Animal Hospital, we are always available to help guide you in this important decision, and can often help you find the animal you’re looking for. Please contact us for help in selecting a new pet.