Pets can add so much to our lives. They provide a sense of adventure, a loving spirit, and wonderful companionship. If you are considering adopting a pet, how you select the pet that is the right fit for you and your family will depend on several factors, including time, money, and space.
There are several questions to consider when thinking about getting a pet, too. Does everyone in the household want a pet? Will everyone share in the responsibilities, or will one person be the primary caretaker? Who will care for the pet when you need to leave town for a while? Do you have enough time to devote to a dog or cat? (After all, they get lonely too!) Is there a trusted veterinarian close to home? How much will annual food, medical, grooming, and training expenses cost?
After those basic questions are answered, you need to research the breeds that are available. There are lots of things to consider when choosing a breed, like how much exercise the breed will require, how big the animal will get, and whether you have a preference for long or short hair. It’s possible, too, that someone in the home has allergies and will require a special, non-allergenic pet. There are so many choices!
The easiest place to start your research is the local library or the Internet. The American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) is a great place to start your search for a dog, and the Cat Fancier Association (www.cfainc.org) is a good resource for cat research. Both have information on every registered breed, as well as lists of breeders and rescue group contacts.
If, after researching the breeds, you are still unsure, ask one of the local breed-rescue groups if they would be willing to meet or speak with you to educate you on the breed. They will have lots of valuable information because they specialize in that breed. It’s also important to be aware of possible breed-specific health characteristics, as some breeds are prone to such health issues as hip or joint problems, cancer, and heart defects. Although it’s not a certainty, it is important to be aware of the possibility that these things can occur. Many breed-rescue organizations are also in need of temporary “foster” homes for dogs while they wait to go to a permanent home. Individuals and families interested in fostering a dog may submit applications to the rescue organization directly.
Another option is visiting a dog or cat show. This will familiarize you with the various breeds and may be an opportunity to network and get references for reputable breeders. When selecting a breeder, be sure to check references, see the quarters where the animals live, and view a pedigree chart. In addition, a good breeder typically specializes in one breed and will limit the number of litters for each animal.
An alternative to pure-bred dogs and cats is the local animal shelter. You may simply choose from the animals there, all of which need good homes. Sometimes you will be saving a life when you adopt from a shelter.
In any case, taking the time to do the research can make the difference between a happy and thriving pet or one that ends up unwanted in a shelter. Responsible pet owners do the research and ask the questions that are important to ask.
Karen Newsham has over 25 years’ experience with domestic animals. For pet questions you would like her to research and respond to, email karennewsham@comcast.net.