This post is presented by Hometown Veterinary Hospital

Making the decision to add a fur baby to your family is a big one!  There is a lot to consider before making the commitment.  Ample time as well as research should be given before going out and picking up your newest family member.  Pets, whether it is a dog, cat, fish, bunny, hamster, etc., can greatly enrich yours and your children’s lives.  They can provide companionship, unconditional love, and instil a sense of responsibility for your children.

Before jumping in the car and heading to the nearest pet store, lots of research needs to be done and there are many things to consider. These considerations include:

• Your lifestyle – How often are you away from home? Do you work long hours? Do you like to travel?
• Do you already have pets? How willing would they be to accept another pet into the house?
• What are you looking for in a pet? Someone to cuddle? A running partner?  Easy to care for?
• Who will be providing the majority of the daily care? Will your child be helping? In your absence, who will look after them?
• How much time do you have available for training, exercise, and daily attention?
• Pets can be expensive! How much are you looking to spend to obtain your pet? Have you looked into the costs associated with yearly vet visits, supplies, food, boarding, training and emergency care?
• When you get a pet, you are agreeing to care for that pet for its entire life.  Life expectancy can vary depending on the type of animal you get.  Make sure you are ready to commit to that life expectancy.
• What foreseeable changes are in your future?  Moving, more kids, new jobs? This can all majorly impact your pet’s life and your abilities to properly care for them.

You may have decided which type of pet is right for your family, but the research does not end there!

• Make sure you know where your pet is coming from. Ask breeders for reference, if vet checks have been done and if they have any health guarantees.  If you are adopting from an organization, be sure to do the proper research on where the animals are coming from and if they have had health checks. You should also inquire about their behaviour. Are they good with other animals? Children? Are there any behaviour issues, medical concerns or special precautions that the animal requires?
• Certain species and breeds are more prone to some health conditions, require more exercise, need specialized diets, and habitat requirements.   Be sure to educate yourself on the breed of animal you want to get.
• If you do not already have one, make sure to get a veterinarian and build a good relationship with them.  Research, research, research!  Check out the vets in your area, ask to meet them and meet their staff.  You want to feel comfortable with your veterinarian and trust them with the care of your newest family member for their entire life!

Be sure to use creditable resources when looking into all this information.  Speak with your veterinarian and allow them to assist you in this decision.  Check in with the local SPCAs, or use online resources like the Canadian Veterinarian Medical Association or American Veterinary Medical Association for information.

Just like with your human babies, an informed decision is the best decision.  No one wants to unknowingly end up with a pet bird that can live for 100+ years!

Dr. Chelsie