10/13/2012
Dizzyjay
Posts: 100
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Pet Logic
Nine important considerations to ponder before you decide to adopt a pet
  
"When you get a pet. it's like you are inviting a new member into your family," says Michael Sullivan, executive director, Humane Society of Canada.
Here are nine important considerations before your family makes the commitment.
1.COST.
According to Sullivan, a cat or dog costs on average $1,500 per year (for the initial
spay or neuter, vaccinations, food and other health costs). Exotic pets may be
inexpensive but their ongoing needs will add up, too.
2.LIFE SPAN.
Be aware that a can can live up to 20 years, explains Dr. Jean Gauvin, a small animal
practitioner in Lachine, Que., and vice- president of the Canadian veterinary Medical
Association, while a small dog can live about 12 years, a parrot more than 30, a
rabbit 12, and a hamster may live four years.
3.SCHEDULE.
Dogs, especially puppies, require a lot of your time for training and daily walks. Cats
are easier because they don't need training outside of litter training. Most exotic pets
(gerbils, reptiles, fish, and birds) will need daily care.
4.LIFESTYLE.
If you are active, an active dog breed makes sense. But what will you do if you are
someone who travels a lot? Gauvin says for shorter jaunts, a cat and exotic animals
may be easier to leave or have looked after.
5.FUR.
If someone in the family is allergic, consider a poodle or other non shedding dog,
says Gauvin. Or consider a lizard or snake.
6.SPACE.
A small dog or cat might be best suited for a condominium or apartment while a
Great Dane might better suit a home in the country. Exotic pet cages and aquariums
will need a dedicated place in your home, too.
7.FOOD.
Sixty per cent of what you spend on a dog will be for food. Consider that a rabbit
needs fresh vegetables while a cat is happy with canned food. Some exotic pets
need special food - snakes eat mice while lizards love crickets.
8.EXPERIENCE.
If this is your first pet, do your research, says Sullivan. Some dog breeds are easier
to manage than others. For example, border collies need to be kept busy while a
Shih Tzu doesn't. Cats are more self sufficient, says Sullivan. Most birds need time
out of their cages.
9.AGE.
If you get a puppy or kitten, you will have more work to do in the first year. A young
adult dog or cat is less work - and you are saving an animal life.
GETTING YOUR PET
If you don't purchase a full bred animal from a reputable breeder, adopt an animal
from a shelter, rescue group, humane society or local pound.
Metro Custom Publishing
Pet life
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