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Pet FAQ - Which Pet Should I Choose?
By: Paige Harbold

 

* Question: How do I choose the pet that is right for my family?

First of all, never purchase a pet on impulse. Bringing home a kitten or puppy just because it was irresistible is seldom a good idea.

A better option is to discuss the matter of pets with your family first. Make a point to consider the following in your discussion: grooming, daily feeding, playtime, personal attention, veterinary care and house training (where applicable). It would also be a good idea to ask each member of the family why they want a pet. It's a good idea to make sure your children understand that a pet is another member of the family, not just another play thing, and that the pet's individual needs should be considered as much as other family members' needs.

Then, review your lifestyle. Say, for instance, you live in a city apartment or work long hours. Then a cat, fish or bird may be considered. If you have a daily routine of jogging or running, then a dog might be appropriate for you. To better understand the needs of a potential pet, you can talk to breeders and other pet owners. Attend local pet shows and talk to the judges. Surf the internet for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you want to add to your family. Also, consider the ages of your children when planning to put a pet in the home. Also, consider the life expectancy of the pet, itself. * Question: Is it best to get a pet at a pet store or an animal shelter?

It's really a matter of individual choice. However, personally, I would say it is advisable to get pets from a shelter. The animals are well-cared for by the staff and are aware of an environment involving people. The shelter's staff can help you find the pet that you want. The staff can tell you which dog enjoys long walks, which animal loves children and which cat likes to curl up on your lap. In addition, animals from a shelter have already undergone medical treatments such as immunizations, spaying and neutering.

If, instead, you decide to look for a pet from a pet store, be sure that you get the pet store owner to give you a full briefing of the animal's disposition, primarily for dogs, cats and other animals that will need to interconnect with humans.

* Question: How should I ascertain the kind of dog that is best for me?

Use the following as a guide for finding the perfect dog for you:

- Look for pet guides to learn about a particular dog breed's personality, background and temperament. Surf the internet for online guides that tell you about those kinds of dogs.

- Find a vet to discuss details about the characteristics of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about the dog's breed.

- If you are planning to purchase a puppy at a pet store, make sure to ask for the animal's status -- such as its origin, behavioral problems, physical problems and the breed's anomalies. Otherwise, you can also get dogs or puppies from animal shelters or from a private breeder.

- Last, but not least, talk to your friends about the various types of dog breeds they have owned.