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Article Courtesy ASPCA
Top 10 Tips for Adopting the Perfect Family Pet
Adopting a pet should be fun and joyful, so we’ve created a list of handy tips to help you make good choices, and properly prepare your home for its newest member. 1.Before you adopt a pet, talk to family members about what they want.
Before you adopt a pet, talk to family members about what they want. Discuss everyone’s likes & dislikes. Large dogs may be too strong or active for young children, for example, while some people may simply prefer cats over canines.
2.If you’re getting a pet for your children, don’t expect the kiddies to do all the work.
If you’re getting a pet for your children, don’t expect the kiddies to do all the work.No matter how mature your child is, he or she will need constant supervision and help handling the responsibility of a cat or dog. Ultimately, the parent is responsible for the pet.
3.Make sure your family is ready for the changes a new pet will bring.
Make sure your family is ready for the changes a new pet will bring.A furry friend brings love and adventure, but it also brings new household chores. Some dogs – especially puppies and kittens – need a lot of attention and training. All pets thrive on a daily schedule of feeding, grooming and play..
4.Do a little research to learn which breed matches your family’s lifestyle.
Do a little research to learn which breed matches your family’s lifestyle. Some breeds are naturally more aggressive, high-strung or active than others. Those breeds will require more exercise and training. Animal Planet (www.animal.discovery.com) offers both a cat breed selector and a dog breed selector. They also offer breed descriptions, which include: activity/energy level, playfulness, exercise requirements, friendliness/compatibility with children or other pets, grooming needs, etc.
5.Confirm whether anyone in your family suffers from allergies.
Confirm whether anyone in your family suffers from allergies.Even is a family member has allergies, it doesn’t mean you can’t adopt a pet. You may just have to choose a different kind of pet, such as a turtle.
6.Teach your family and kids about pet parenting before you adopt.
Teach your family and kids about pet parenting before you adopt.Learn about pet care, and explain to your children that walking a dog several times a day or cleaning a cat’s litter box is part of the ongoing responsibility of caring for an animal.
7.Know that some animals and young children may not play well
Know that some animals and young children may not play well together.
Young children may unwittingly mishandle or hurt puppies and kittens, which are particularly vulnerable to being injured.
8.Make sure a pet suits your home and lifestyle.
Make sure a pet suits your home and lifestyle. Family members may have their hearts set on a large, active dog, but that particular pooch may not be the best choice for your circumstances. Or perhaps you like the look of a long-haired cat or dog, but aren’t so keen on daily brushing.
9.Stock up on supplies, food and toys before you bring a pet home.
Stock up on supplies, food and toys before you bring a pet home.Make Fido or Fluffy feel welcome with all the comforts of home. The last thing you want is to rush to the store for a litter box and hope that your new cat will patiently wait for your return.
10.Create a schedule to share responsibility for caring for your pet.
Create a schedule to share responsibility for caring for your pet.A schedule is a great way to get the family involved in your pet’s care and ensure that no one forgets to walk the dog or feed the cat. It will also help foster relationships between your new pet and everyone in the house.
