Choosing a Pet

Provided by P&G Everyday Solutions

First Things First

You see the most adorable kitten in the pet store window — a tiny ball of fluff no bigger than your hand staring up at you with great big blue eyes asking for a home.

Or, you're walking by the local shelter and see a sad-faced puppy getting some exercise on an outside run. But before you fall in love, 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 is important to consider these same issues when adopting a pet as well.

When it comes to adding a pet to the family, many people buy a pet on impulse, never thinking that the adorable ball of fluff or sad-faced puppy will need housetraining, grooming, veterinary care and 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. However, if you adopt a pet that you aren't prepared to care for or a pet that doesn't suit your lifestyle, you may find that the pet you thought would relieve stress can actually cause stress.

A New Family Member

Okay. You've decided to add a pet to your family, but the decisions aren’t over.

If you live in an apartment and work long hours, a fish, bird, or a cat or two may be your best choice. If you like to run daily, a dog with lots of energy may be the best pet for you. After deciphering the clues, ask some questions of your own.

Pet professionals and books can be a great source of information that you may not have considered, like what dog breeds are good with children, what health problems are common to certain breeds, or how ages of pets and ages of children affect each other.

Then, spend time with potential candidates.

Attend a local dog or cat show and talk with breeders, judges and other pet owners. Visit a shelter and interact with individual puppies or kittens. Surf the internet for breed-specific groups to learn more. Most pet stores and shelters have a designated area for families to interact with pets before making their decision.

Pay attention to the animal's energy level, how it gets along with your children, and its overall appearance and attitude.

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.

Don't just bring the new family member home from the shelter with no preparations. 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.

Then get the necessary equipment: collars, leashes, proper identification, bowls, bedding, litter pan and toys.

Investigate types of food and choose a quality product that’s right for your pet's age and lifestyle, because just like babies, puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adults.

You might also want to designate a bathroom area outdoors so that you aren't cleaning up the entire yard.

Pet-proof your home as you would for a child. Electrical cords, household products and plants should be moved out of reach. Puppies and kittens view the world as a chew toy and they move quicker than most infants. Your job is to help them learn toys from dangerous or forbidden items (such as shoes).

Choose a veterinarian. Ask friends and family members for recommendations. It’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible after adopting an animal for an overall health check and necessary vaccinations.

Unless your pet is quality breeding material, make arrangements for neutering as soon as the pet is 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 trained pet.

Finally, prepare to love and be loved. The relationship between humans and pets is one of reciprocal love. As you care for your pet, he'll reward you with unwavering friendship and loyalty that will last a lifetime.

Consider This

• Financial commitment
• Time commitment
• Your family's health
• Where you live
• Children’s ages
• Local pet laws