Owning a pet comes with great responsibility, regardless of the type you choose. Pets are not casual accessories that can simply be pushed aside and forgotten. Pets are long term companions that need ongoing love, care and devotion. Owning a pet is a wonderful privilege and very rewarding, but the benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.
Below are a few things to consider before welcoming a pet into your family:
- Avoid impulsive decisions and choose a pet that’s suited to both your home and your lifestyle. Just because something is cute, does not mean it will be the perfect fit for you. Adopt only the type and number of pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship for.
- It is important to recognise that pet ownership requires an investment of both your time and your money. Regular visits to the vet and groomer are absolutely necessary for your pets’ wellbeing. Insuring your pet may also be important to your pets health as emergencies can happen at any time. While we are here to provide the general health and emergency care for your pet, veterinarians are not financially responsible for your pet. Many veterinary hospitals now offer payment plans through third parties but selective criteria must be met before this can be extended.
- Being prepared for holidays and time away is a must. If you’re thinking of leaving your pet at a boarding facility, be sure to book early as many establishments are filled to capacity months ahead. You should continue your pet’s usual diet and ensure any medications your pet is on are explained in full. If you choose to have a pet sitter look after your pets while you’re away, allow plenty of time for your pets to familiarise themselves with them. Most importantly, ensure clear instructions including your travel itinerary, your contact details, vets details and your expectations should an unexpected emergency occur, are clearly communicated.
- Be sure to clean up after your pet in public places and obey the local laws, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control. Always ensure your pet has a collar with an ID tag containing your contact details. Micro-chipping your pet and having them registered with the local council is the best way to prove ownership of your pet if they were to get lost or stolen. This is the law in most states.
- Limit your pet’s reproduction through desexing, containment or governed breeding. Studies have shown that pets that are desexed live healthier, longer lives. In addition, these pets are less likely to develop behavioural problems. It is common practice for people to criticise animal welfare organisations for the hard decisions that they are forced to make, yet they don’t comprehend that by having undesexed pets, may contribute to the many unwanted litters of puppies and kittens we see every year. Puppy farms still exist in our society in which dogs are bred for monetary purposes only.
- Ask your vet for advice on what type and amount of food is right for your pet. Keeping your pet on a regular, portion controlled diet will help with weight management, which can prevent weight related health problems. Most pets require regular exercise as this helps them to release their energy and without it your pet may develop behavioural issues. It is also incredibly important that you provide appropriate mental stimulation as well as correctly socialise and train your pet.
- Most pets need companionship. They are often traditionally pack creatures and need the warmth and love that comes with living indoors with their family. You are the centre of your pet’s universe. They crave your love, attention and care so make sure you show them love and devotion they show you.