Congratulations! You are thinking about adding a furry member to your family. This question is, what do you choose? Cat? Dog? Exotic? Fish? Adding a pet is a lifelong commitment, and shouldn’t be a spontaneous decision. Here are a few things to consider when looking at adding to your family:
Adopt or shop
This is an age-old debate. There are so many deserving pets waiting for adoption, so maybe that is the road you want to take. But maybe you have your heart set on a particular breed of pet. There is no right or wrong here. Often you go looking for one thing and end up with something completely different! Shelters will often have evaluated the pet for certain behaviours, and adding an older pet to your family can be very rewarding. If you are looking at breeders, make sure to do your homework and talk to references!
Lifestyle
Do you live in a house with a backyard or in an apartment? Is there an elevator or only stairs? If you have a dog with shorter legs like a dachshund or a senior pet with arthritis, an apartment with stairs or a house with multiple stories may not be the best fit. How active are you? Do you like to go for hikes or a walk/run in the park and are looking for an adventure partner? Or are you more of a home-body, looking for the perfect snuggle buddy to come home to?
Health/Predisposing Factors
Some breeds of dogs and cats are known to have predisposing health risks that should be taken into account. Little brachycephalic dogs such as Boston Terriers, Pugs, or Bulldogs, may come with breathing issues that require surgical intervention to open their airways. Some larger breed dogs may be genetically prone to hip dysplasia that may require surgery and physical therapy to correct, such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers. Certain cat breeds can be predisposed to underlying heart conditions. It is a good idea to do a bit of research on breeds…..but realize that there are no hard and fast rules, especially when it comes to behaviours! No matter what pet you get, there will be training involved.
Grooming Requirements
Most animals require some level of regular grooming, such as brushing, clipping nails, and bathing. Long-haired animals require more frequent brushing. Some pets will require regular trips to a groomer every few weeks to keep long, thick, or curly fur from getting matted, and to keep nails short. Some animals may have skin and/or ear issues that will require weekly medicated baths and routine ear cleaning. Do you have a groomer in the area? Are they taking new clients? These are questions you should get answered before you get your pet.
Time/Financial Commitment
The first year of owning a pet is usually the most expensive, especially if you are getting a new puppy or kitten. There are routine things such as vaccines, deworming and flea and tick preventatives, and possibly surgery for spay or neuter. Don’t forget about toys, food and crates! These routine things are not typically covered by insurance, and should be part of your budget beyond the initial cost of the pet .There can also be unexpected medical expenses such as ear infections,urinary tract infections, or eating something they shouldn’t have. While adopting a senior pet can be very rewarding, they also may come with higher medical bills.The more active an animal is, the more time needs to be dedicated to being active and burning off that energy. Think about your normal day - do you have time to walk the dog several times? Are you prepared for the evening zoomies? Do you go away for work frequently, or have vacations planned? Do you have someone to look after the pet when you can’t be there? Planning ahead can avoid a lot of headaches.
Ultimately, here are some questions to ask yourself:
What kind of animal am I drawn to?
What is it about them that attracts me, is it size/appearance/energy level?
What would your deal breakers be, if any?
What are your past experiences like with pets, if any?
In what ways would my current everyday routine change?
Am I prepared for the financial responsibility of owning a pet? Not just for routine care, but in case of an emergency?
Taking the time to do some research, talk to your vet, and ask yourself some of these questions. We are here to help you to make the best decision for you and your family when you are looking to adopt a new best friend!
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