Finding a Pet That’s Right for You
Selecting an Animal
Are you a dog person or cat person? Or another kind of pet person? Let’s face it; you probably already have your mind set on the type of animal you want. But take a step back and look at your lifestyle before you make that decision. Although you may have always wanted a Saint Bernard, your studio apartment probably isn’t the best fit for an animal with that kind of space requirement. It’s really important to do your homework about the animals and breeds that you are considering. The decision you’re about to make is a BIG one. Make sure you research thoroughly and avoid the painful realization that it’s just not going to work out and another shelter will soon have another unnecessary guest.
What type of animal is right for you? Before you run out to the pet store, there are a few things that you should ask yourself before purchasing a pet. Animals require time; training and companionship, the type of animal you get should be based in part on how much time you will have available for your animal. When examining your lifestyle, you need to be realistic and consider all the factors in your current situation.
The Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago offers the following basic guidelines when selecting an animal:
- Single person or couple, working more than 8 hours – Cat or other small animal (Fish, rodent, reptile, etc.)
- Single person or couple, working 8 hours – Dog, Cat or other small animal
- Single person or couple, home all day – Puppy, Kitten, Dog, Cat or other small animal
- Single person or couple, expecting a child – Other small animal
- Single person or couple with young children – Dog, Cat or other small animal
- Single person or couple with older children, home all day – Puppy, Kitten, Dog, Cat or other small animal
It goes without saying that a baby or young cat or dog has needs that an older animal does not; housebreaking, teething, behavioral training, etc. Although there is the cuteness factor of a baby animal, there are thousands of adult animals in shelters looking for homes.
Again, from the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago, the following is a basic needs assessment of animals by age:
- Puppy – needs to be fed 3-4 times per day, eliminates every few hours, needs close supervision, needs extensive training and socialization, frequent vet care
- Kitten – needs to be fed 3-4 times per day, needs close supervision, needs extensive training and socialization, frequent vet care
- Adult Dog – needs to be fed 1-2 times per day, eliminates every 8 hours, needs average training and socialization, regular vet care
- Adult Cat – needs to be fed 1-2 times per day, needs average training and socialization, regular vet care
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