SELECTING A NEW PET

We think the selection of a new pet is very important. Pets (like people) are not the same.
They are all and very much different.

So Many Variables:

size
breed
demeanor
hair length
hair care
shedding
cost
special breed requirements
special needs
pure breed or mixed breed
compatibility with children
breeder or rescue group
who is going to do the work
need for professional grooming
genetic problems/issues to avoid in certain breeds
and on it goes

Thought & Consideration

To this end, we think that you need to give serious and thoughtful consideration to the type of dog or cat you select. And for that matter, this goes also for the small mammals (rabbit, ferret, guinea pig, rat, hamster, etc.) – yes/no & what type.

Include all family members in the decision-making process. The reality is that the wishes/wants/opinions of the adults (parents) far, far outweigh those of the children. Why? Because it is usually (almost always) the parents who do most (if not all) of the work. Kids are pretty much happy with just about any selection. And kids have a way of moving out, especially around a certain age. So, again, usually it is the parent/parents who do all the work. And of the two parents, take a wild guess as to which of the two parents (in most families) will do the majority of the animal work. Please keep that person in mind during the deliberation & selection time process.Take your time. There is no rush.

Sometimes, after much thought & family deliberation, the proper and correct answer is to get no pet at all. This choice is perfectly OK. But make this decision before you get the new pet. It is not fair to the pet to obtain a new pet, and then decide you don’t want it.

And regarding the type or breed, make this decision before you obtain the new pet. Don’t get the new pet, and then decide that he/she is too big or sheds too much or is too active or barks too much or whatever. Make the right decision ahead of time.

It’s Work

Make no doubt about it. Dogs and cats are a whole heck of a lot of work. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Granted, cats are less work than dogs. But dogs and cats are a lot of work. Even the small mammals (ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs etc) are much more work than you might at first think - cage cleaning, maintenance, odors, feeding, etc.

And There are Costs

Pets, especially dogs and cats, cost money. ‘No bout adout it’. You can’t think otherwise.

There are all kinds of costs. The original cost of the pet will probably prove to be the least of your expenses. Consider the other expenses – e.g. a lifetime of food, toys, and the miscellaneous. Then there may be boarding costs when you away. And some breeds will require a lifetime of grooming – hence grooming fees.

There are veterinary medical fees – some are routine wellness visits, others are small problems/ issues, and then there are potentially bigger medical/surgical problems/issues. There may be need for ongoing medication for some problem. Give thought to the potential monthly fee for pet insurance, which we recommend to almost all.

The point is that pets are living and breathing creatures. They require ongoing life care – of all sorts, shapes, and colors. Bottom line - remember to keep financial considerations in your decision process, whether this be your first pet or an additional pet. Pets require care, and care costs money.

SO, FINALLY:

Deliberate
Take Your Time
Consider All The Issues
Consider the Future Caretakers
&
Do It Right The First Time !!!

We have always offered, and we continue to offer to our clients, a no charge office consultation for the purpose of discussing the concerns & issues in the selection of a new pet (particularly regarding different breed issues).