Owning a pet can provide hours of fun but
it is important to find a pet that suits your lifestyle. It's a very rewarding time for all getting to know a new pet but
the responsibility is immense and needs careful consideration.
Whatever animal you are looking to offer a
home to, it's important you want them for the right reasons and not an impulse
buy, as many people find they can't cope and end up giving their animal away
for a variety of reasons.
The key considerations to look at:
Why do your want a pet?
Pressures from children can be one of the
reasons and giving in to their wishes may bring temporary relief but the long
term responsibilities are huge. Thinking about the on-going commitment of
caring for a pet for possibly 12 years or more is not always considered. The
novelty of a new kitten or puppy can wear off and you will be the one left who is
taking care of the animals daily needs. If you are not prepared to take on the
responsibility, then the answer should be no.
Does anyone have any allergies?
Can you afford a pet?
The
costs included in caring for your dog :
Complete food 2kg bag - £13.00 average will last 6 weeks
1st and 2nd vaccinations £75.79 and then an annual booster at £50.89
Worming control - average £29.52
Flea control - average £56.40
Neutering costs - male £45.51 and female £60.01
Seeing your vet - £29.05
Microchip -£23.10
Bedding and toys-£100
Catteries-£120 per stay
Insurance policy - per month £13.00
Allergies to pets can be controlled, but
fur & feathers can contribute to allergy problems and need to be
considered. The protein from hair, saliva etc can cause allergic reactions such
as itching, rashes, asthma or hay-fever like symptoms to name but a few.
Whether you buy an expensive pet or rescue
an animal the costs of feeding, insurance, spaying/neutering, annual
injections, toys/chews, flea/worm treatment
and emergency pet care, (the list is endless) quickly add up and
continue year after year.
Have you ever thought about how much it
actually costs to keep a pet?
The average life span of a dog is 12years and a cat is 15yrs.
The average cost of keeping a pet for his lifetime could cost as much as £11k!
Food - complete dog food 15kg bag £30.00 - on
average will last 6weeks
1st and 2nd vaccinations for your puppy £65.07 - and then an annual booster £39.02
Worming control - average for 10-20kg dog £20.21
Flea control - average for 10-20kg dog £47.80
Neutering costs - male £140.30 and female £199.65
Seeing your vet - £29.05
Microchip - £23.10
Bedding and toys - £100
Boarding kennels - £120 per stay
Insurance policy - dog per month £29.19
Worming control - average for 10-20kg dog £20.21
Flea control - average for 10-20kg dog £47.80
Neutering costs - male £140.30 and female £199.65
Seeing your vet - £29.05
Microchip - £23.10
Bedding and toys - £100
Boarding kennels - £120 per stay
Insurance policy - dog per month £29.19
The costs included in caring for your Cat
:
Complete food 2kg bag - £13.00 average will last 6 weeks
1st and 2nd vaccinations £75.79 and then an annual booster at £50.89
Worming control - average £29.52
Flea control - average £56.40
Neutering costs - male £45.51 and female £60.01
Seeing your vet - £29.05
Microchip -£23.10
Bedding and toys-£100
Catteries-£120 per stay
Insurance policy - per month £13.00
Do you have time for a pet?
Can you have a pet where you live?
Do you have children or babies?
A gradual introduction to the family is a
good idea. Never leave an animal alone with a small child as they could be at
risk of being bitten, knocked over, scratched or hissed at if handled
carelessly, even though unintentional. Never leave animals and children alone
for long periods.
Pets need care and attention every day of
the year and can't be ignored if you are tired or busy. Infant animals need more
attention and more frequent feeding than adult animals and dogs can't be left
alone in the house all day while everyone is at work or school. Who will care
for your pet while you are on holiday and are they reliable as the
responsibility is a lot to take on.
If you are renting many landlords don't
allow pets and others have restrictions on the type you can keep. Outdoor & indoor space and animal size is
not the only thing to think about, as
some small dogs such as terriers still need a great deal of exercise, so
looking into the various characteristics and research of
any pet is essential.
Cats
Cats are independent animals and can be
left alone all day with water and a litter tray if kept indoors. Providing toys & amusements such a
scratching posts and climbing frames to keep them occupied can be a good idea
but extra love & attention maybe be needed on your return.
Dogs
Small animals
Dogs should not be left alone for long
periods of time and as pack animals they crave company & stimulation. All dogs need exercise and large breeds
require more space to run around. A dog
is a really good choice of pet as long as you have the time, love, space &
money to care for them.
Hamsters, gerbils, mice, rabbits, guinea
pigs and other small animals are a perfect introduction to animals for children
and good for more mature owners.
Teaching children the responsibility and care that is required can be
rewarding for all. Children need to
learn how to look after their furry friends on a regular basis and have a good
routine in place for caring for them. These small animals are often short
lived, hamsters may live no more than 3 years but are ideal if you do not want
to commit to a long term pet.
Once you have decided on which pet to
adopt, why not speak to one of our nurses for a profile for
each type of animal, breed and information on health care, food, nutrition and
tips on how to make important decisions.
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