Pet Health Articles
Is Now the Right Time for You to Adopt a New Pet?
2017-08-07
Being the clinic cat at Buffalo Companion Animal Clinic is certainly the cat's meow, but I know all my animal friends are so lucky to have a great home. We're cute and cuddly, but also a big responsibility. Here are some things for you to think about if before deciding to share your home with a new animal friend.
Regards,
Carlos
Living with and caring for a pet is both rewarding and challenging. Unfortunately, some people fail to understand the responsibility involved and quickly decide they don’t want a pet after all. These animals end up at shelters or with friends in best-case scenarios or simply abandoned and left to fend for themselves.
Even though surrendering a pet to a shelter is better than abandonment, shelters can only keep animals so long before euthanizing them. That’s why we urge people to consider the responsibility involved in pet ownership as well as how a dog, cat, or other animal will fit into their lifestyle before bringing a new pet home.
You’re Making a Commitment for the Lifetime of the Animal
The American Humane Association estimates that dogs live for 12 to 15 years and that cats have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Of course, the breed of the animal and his overall health at adoption play into the average lifespan as well. The fuzzy kitten or rambunctious puppy you adopt today will eventually grow old. Pets require time and resources at every stage of the life cycle. Here are several factors the American Humane Association recommends that people consider before bringing home a new pet:
You’re Making a Commitment for the Lifetime of the Animal
The American Humane Association estimates that dogs live for 12 to 15 years and that cats have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Of course, the breed of the animal and his overall health at adoption play into the average lifespan as well. The fuzzy kitten or rambunctious puppy you adopt today will eventually grow old. Pets require time and resources at every stage of the life cycle. Here are several factors the American Humane Association recommends that people consider before bringing home a new pet:
- Does anyone in your house have asthma or allergies that might be triggered by animal fur?
- What do you plan to do if a family member just doesn’t care for the pet?
- Do you anticipate major changes such as moving, a new job, having a baby, or getting married that could affect how well you can care for the pet?
- Are your finances stable enough to handle basic pet necessities as well as emergency care?
- Are you getting the pet for your kids? If so, do you consider them responsible enough to provide her with consistent care? If the answer is no, are you willing to provide the care yourself?
- Who will care for your pet when you go on vacation or need to travel for business?
- Will you commit to getting your pet spayed or neutered as well as keep up with required vaccinations?
- Does your family have such a busy schedule that your pet will end up spending a lot of time alone?
- Does someone in the family have enough time to provide the pet with the exercise and play time he needs?
- What kind of living arrangements do you have? A large German Shepherd needs plenty of outdoor space to run around while a senior cat would do just fine in a small apartment.
- Do you know how you would handle behavior problems?
Although this list is long, we encourage you to take the time to answer each question honestly. If you decide that you’re not ready for a pet after all, you can always reconsider it later when your circumstances change.
Bring Your New Pet in for a Check-Up as Soon as Possible
Bring Your New Pet in for a Check-Up as Soon as Possible
When you adopt a new pet, whether that’s now or in the future, make sure to schedule a comprehensive physical exam with Buffalo Companion Animal Hospital shortly after bringing her home. We will make sure your dog, cat, or other animal has the necessary vaccines to stay healthy and check several other things as well. We look forward to seeing the newest member of your family soon.
Photo Credit: Ablokhin / Getty Images
