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First Things First
You see the most adorable kitten in the pet store window�a tiny ball of fluff staring up at you with big blue eyes asking for a home.
Or you�re walking by the local shelter and see a sad-faced puppy in an outside run. But before taking them home, consider the following:
Would you adopt a child on impulse? Chances are you would go home and discuss the matter with the rest of your family. You would look at your lifestyle, finances, living arrangements, and other commitments.
It�s important to consider these same issues when adopting a pet.
When it comes to adding a pet to the family, many people act on impulse, never thinking that the adorable puppy or kitten will need housetraining, grooming, veterinary care, daily food, water and attention.
This is one reason shelters are full of unwanted pets.
Pets are good for people. Studies have shown that pets can help lower blood pressure and reduce depression. But if you adopt a pet you aren�t prepared to care for, or one that doesn�t suit your lifestyle, you may end up with more stress than you bargained for.
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A New Family Member
Okay. You�ve decided to add a pet to your family, but the decisions are not over. Consider these points:
- Live in an apartment and work long hours? A fish, bird or cat may be your best choice.
- If you like to run daily, a dog with lots of energy may be the best pet for you.
- Find the right breed for your personality and lifestyle: Consult Iams� Pet Care and Nutrition Specialists, books and websites.
- Check out the breeds you�re interested in: Attend a local dog or cat show and talk with breeders, judges, and other pet owners. Visit a breeder and interact with individual puppies or kittens from the litter.
- Pay attention to the animal�s energy level, how it gets along with your children, and its overall appearance and attitude.
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I�ve Decided. Now What?
Choosing your new pet wisely is an important first step in making it a part of your family. Now, get ready for its arrival.
- Prepare! Get the family ready first. Discuss needs and responsibilities. Talk to younger children about proper handling of a pet. Set expectations. But remember, all newcomers need time to settle in.
- Get the right gear: collars, leashes, proper identification, bowls, bedding, litter pan, and toys.
- Find the right food for your pet�s age and lifestyle, because just like all babies, puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adults.
- Designate a bathroom area outdoors so that you aren�t cleaning up the entire yard.
- Pet-proof your home. Electrical cords, household products, shoes and plants should be moved out of the pet�s reach.
- Choose a veterinarian and visit him or her as soon as possible for an overall health check and necessary vaccinations.
- Unless you plan to breed your pet, arrange to have it spayed or neutered as soon it�s old enough.
- If you adopt a dog, sign up for puppy obedience class to help make your new pet a well-behaved family member. You�ll find the time it takes is well-spent in terms of having a pet you can live with.
- Look forward to loving and being loved by your furry friend. The relationship between humans and pets is like no other. As you care for your pet, it will reward you with unwavering friendship and loyalty that will last a lifetime.
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Consider This
- Financial commitment
- Time commitment
- The family's health
- Where you live
- Ages of children
- Local pet laws
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Items to Have When Bringing Home a New Pet
- Proper Identification
- Dishes
- Bedding or Crate
- Litter Pan
- Toys
- Grooming Tools
- Appropriate Food
- Treats
- Collars/Leashes
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