Choosing the right pet Deciding to Get a Pet Before deciding on which particular breed of dog or cat to purchase, all potential pet owners need to be sure they are really ready for a pet in their household, by asking questions such as whether their current lifestyle will accommodate a pet. Deciding whether or not to purchase a pet is a very important decision and one that should not be made lightly, and certainly not just on a whim. The average lifespan of a small dog is 11 years and of a cat, 12 years. This means pet owners need to be prepared to dedicate this many years (maybe even more) to properly looking after their pet. If you are part of a family, the decision to get a pet should be a combined one, as all family members will come into contact with the pet, and should be involved in looking after it. Important things to consider before deciding to own a pet Are you prepared to care for a dog/cat for over 10 years? Can you afford to own a pet with costs such as registration, vaccination, vet bills, food, grooming, desexing and boarding? Do you have time to care for a pet? eg: exercise, grooming, obedience and play Who will look after your pet when you're away? Do you live in a suitable location for a pet? eg: away from main roads Do you have adequate space for the pet you are considering? What hours do you work, and will the pet have any company during the day? If renting accommodation, are you permitted own a pet? If buying a puppy/kitten, can you provide care during the day and meals at regular intervals until it is six months of age? Can you confine your pet in suitable accommodation for the first three weeks? Does a pet fit in with your lifestyle, activities, sporting pursuits and priorities? Are you prepared to confine your pet inside at night (in the house or shed/garage) Choosing the Right Breed If you can properly look after a pet, you need to carefully research and consider which breed of dog or cat will suit your lifestyle and surroundings. Avoid choosing a breed just because it is popular or fashionable - this can lead to unhappy outcomes for both the pet and the owner. Don't buy a working dog (eg: kelpie or cattledog) if you live in the city unless you are prepared to give it plenty of daily exercise, and remember that puppies which look adorable in a pet shop window could grow up to be big dogs that need a lot of exercise, food and space. Read up on the type of pet you are considering via the internet or library. Contact dog and cat associations (eg: Victorian Canine Association or Feline Control Council) who can put you in touch with breed clubs who can provide information on particular breeds. Contact dog obedience clubs, local vets and speak to people you know or meet who own the particular breed you are considering. Take into account factors like the size of your yard, the amount of exercise you can give a dog, or the type of nature you want in a cat to help determine the exact breed that is suitable for you. Where to Purchase? Buy your pet from a reputable source, through established cat and dog associations and from registered domestic animal businesses, such as pet shops or animal welfare shelters. All domestic animal businesses are legally required to be registered and must follow certain regulations. These include selling all pets with a certificate of good health, which guarantees it, has been vaccinated and wormed. The certificate protects both you as the new owner of a pet, and the business that sold it to you. Animal welfare societies such as the RSPCA, Lost Dog's Home and Cat Protection Society have healthy animals that have passed rigorous health and behavioural tests, and are available for adoption. It is illegal to sell pets from casual markets. It's not unusual for these animals to have received no suitable veterinary examination, and as a result, they may not be free from physical defects. There is no guarantee covering the animal's health, and if you decide to return to the seller to ask questions about your newly acquired pet's health, you may find the seller has moved on (some sellers have just one or two litters to sell and then disappear). Never purchase a puppy or kitten that looks unwell. Of course if you do decide to purchase a dog or cat, with proper care and love, it is guaranteed to bring you many years of fun and happiness!
	Responsible Pet Ownership Copyright / Disclaimer Last Updated: 18/02/2003 This site was designed and developed by KnowledgeWorks.