considerations before you adopt or buy an animal

What are your plans for the next 18 years? With the scientific improvements in nutrition and veterinary medicine, many dogs and cats live into old age and it is not uncommon for a dog or cat to live for over 12 years (on average dogs live for up to 15 years and cats up to 18 years). This amounts to a serious and long term commitment.

Think about how you see your life developing and changing over this length of time. Do you plan to have children, do you have travel plans, do you intend to move house or emigrate? Any big life change will impact on your pet and may mean you have to give him up.

Involve all members of your household in this decision and think carefully about why you want a pet; getting one to keep your children entertained, will end up being a mistake. If you are a student or travel frequently, it is best to wait until your life is more settled before getting taking on an animal.

Pets take time, every day - even if you are working, busy or tired. They require more than food and water and are solely reliant on you for companionship, exercise, stimulation and care throughout their lives. Whilst all pets require time and a regular routine, some types of animals need more than others. All pets are entirely reliant on you to meet all their needs – you can’t send them to their room to play a computer game!

If you work full time, it is advisable not to get a dog. Dogs unlike cats, experience boredom and loneliness without human companionship. They require a lot of attention, several walks and play time every day and most dogs require regular grooming especially if they are long haired..

If you are not sure if you could provide properly for a dog, a useful exercise is to write down what you would see them doing each hour of each day – i.e. put hours 1 – 24 down on paper and write an activity next to each hour. You will quickly see that even if you are able to provide three hours of walking per day and say 10 hours are for sleeping, this still leaves 11 hours when your dog will be inactive and reliant on you at some point for a game or activity.

Don’t get a dog if you are going to let him vegetate; they are working animals and soon become frustrated if they are not getting a regular change of scenery, daily exercise and games where they interact with you. In fact, most behavioural and many health problems are triggered when a dog is not getting the exercise and stimulation that he needs and in many cases the solution to a behavioural problem is simply to regularly tire the dog out with mental and physical exercise.

Cats are more independent than dogs, however most do need company and it is advisable to get two cats if you work long hours. Long haired cats require regular grooming.

Rabbits require company, stimulation, grooming and regular cleaning of their accommodation area. Smaller animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, exotics, etc require specialised care. Contrary to popular belief, they are not an easy option; even though they are smaller than a dog, they still require a lot of care and attention.

Pets cost money – according to the RSPCA, it costs approximately £700 per year in the UK to keep an average sized dog. Your pet will require a healthy diet, bedding, toys, vaccinations, flea & worm treatments, micro-chipping, neutering, and veterinary checks.

Trips to the vet can be expensive and it is advisable to purchase pet insurance. Other costs can include: training classes and grooming and if you are unlucky, you may have to pay out for ruined carpets or furniture, flea infestations and unexpected medical emergencies. Consider who would look after the animal if you cannot take him on holiday with you and remember that any type of boarding, will cost you money.

Check that no-one in your house is allergic to animals; it is one of the biggest reasons that animals have to be given up. The other top reason is not having enough time.

Establish whether you are allowed to have a pet where you live. Check out Pet friendly renting If you are renting your accommodation, you may find that you are not allowed to have a pet on the property and it is important to know this before you get an animal.

If you are pregnant or intend to have children in the near future, it is advisable to wait until your children are older before getting an animal. Many pets are given up when their owners have children as it is very difficult to maintain the commitment of caring for an animal and at the same time look after a young baby.

NOT THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU TO COMMIT TO AN ANIMAL?

READY TO COMMIT TO LOOKING AFTER AN ANIMAL FOR LIFE?