How to Select a Family Pet
Being Pet Smart will Assure that the Animals are Cute and Adorable
Mar 15, 2009
According to the American Humane Association, in America there is an overpopulation of homeless pets. There are simply too many companion animals and not enough homes. Adoption of pets is one way to give a home to an animal that did not have one, and to provide a family with the love and companionship that pets have to offer.
Stuffed Animals, Farm Animals, Wild Animals or House Pets
Dogs, cats, birds, goldfish, even bunny rabbits, can be good pets and give either love and affection or relaxation or companionship for both youth and adults. Growing up with pets can be both a wonderful experience for children and can teach important life skills such as responsibility, care and nurturing values. Having a pet, though, is a shared responsibility and should not fall onto any one family member - everyone is a participant and is co-responsible.
Too often people buy a pet on impulse. They see a puppy farm or pet exhibition and have an overwhelming feeling to adopt that adorable cute animal without understanding the true level of commitment it carries. Such a decision may mean putting a pet before oneself in terms of being at home to care for the animal. It means an additional expense that someone may be unable or unwilling to make. It mans additional work to clean, care for, and train the animal. It means additional patience as animals do not follow the same rules, behaviors and expectations of humans.
Certainly everyone has to think through the decision about adopting a pet. It can and does change lifestyles and one needs to think about whether a family is ready to make such a commitment.
Principles of Pet Selection
The first principle is decision. Assuming that the family decided that they are ready to adopt a pet now, it is important to try to find the right pet for the right circumstances.
- First, decide who has the major responsibilities for the pet, and what those responsibilities actually are - buying pet supplies, feeding, cleaning, pet grooming, etc.
- Be sure one checks out the “personality” and “disposition” of the animal. Many believe that wild animals can be tamed only to find that under stress or specific triggers they revert back to aggressive and destructive behavior. As a general rule, wild animals should not be taken home or treated as pets. Furthermore, unless checked out and verified, certain other types of animals may carry diseases or otherwise not be suitable as pets including ferrets, monkeys, reptiles (snakes, lizards even turtles), and most rodents.
- Do research into the personality and nature of the pet. Perhaps one of the greatest disappointments for children is to have an aggressive or out of control dog. Many breeds are like this and should be avoided, or it will result in their being restrained or kept outside on a leash without anyone really wanting to play or care for them.
- Do research also into the needs of the pet including types of food and activity needed. Remember too that many animals may be naturally feisty or destructive especially in the early stages, and one may need to animal-proof a house or have special concern if babies are present.
Compatibility
Most domesticated animals can make good family pets but there are exceptions to every rule and one has to be careful for “compatibility.” In this case compatibility means responsibilities, safety, costs, and changes in lifestyles. Checking pet guides or discussions with a veterinarian can help identify family-friendly pets, and can help avoid the problems that might make pet ownership a stressful venture.
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