by Christine Pesta
While everyone might have a certain idea of what it might be like to add a non-human member to the family, some do not consider what it means to care for that latest addition to the household.
Particularly when a holiday or birthday approaches, the urge to buy a pet for a family member might seem like a wonderful idea, but there are certain questions that must be asked, particularly if the intended recipient is a child.
The following is a list of questions to consider not just for the the family’s benefit but, first and foremost, for the benefit of the new arrival to the family.
- Why have you decided to get a pet?
- Who will be the main person charged with taking care of the pet?
- What type of pet are you looking for?
- How much time will anyone in the household be able to devote to the pet?
- If the pet is intended for a child, is this child mature enough to be able to care for his or her pet, or will the responsibility have to be taken up by an older member of the household?
- Do you, or does the family, tend to go on frequent trips? If so, would you be able to take your pet with you, or have you considered who might care for the pet while you’re away and what costs might be involved?
- Have you considered your budget and how much you would be able to set aside for your new pet’s food and medical costs?
- Do you have adequate room and resources to house the pet? If your intended pet requires a certain amount of excerise that would require your participation, do you have the time or are you physically capable of taking the pet for a walk?
- Have you taken into account the energy level and behavior of the pet you wish to have, and if those behaviors and level of energy are compatible with you and your lifestyle?
While the idea of adding another family member to your home might seem like a good idea, it is always best to take everything into consideration so that you choose a pet that is the right fit.
When choosing a cat or dog, we encourage you to find your new family member from your local animal shelter. Make sure that you get a list of instructions from your vet for the best care of your new family member as well.
