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What is the right type of pet for your family ?
Welcoming a pet into one ’ s life can be a rewarding experience . Pets promote compassion and discipline in their owners , and their companionship can be incredibly rewarding . They also can be helpful tools for teaching children responsibility .
Pets require commitment , patience and financial investment . Potential pet owners also need to understand just what they ’ re getting into when they decide to bring a pet home . Certain animals require a greater level of attention than others , and some pets might not be the right fit for all involved . After all , a pet is not a temporary playmate , but a long-term family member who will require considerable love and attention .
Prospective pet owners should consider various factors to help them find the pet that suits their families .
Decide if you want a young pet or prefer an older animal , each of which has its advantages and disadvantages . While puppies and kittens can be attractive , they require extra time and care upon being welcomed into a home , and that can be rough if young children are in the home and not accustomed to pets and their unique behaviors . In such instances , an older established animal may be a better fit , especially if you can devote the time to retraining the animal to your preferences . If you already have pets , you ’ ll need to find one that ’ s compatible with your existing animals .
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation says to carefully consider if you can provide the amount of attention your pet will need . Different species and breeds require various amounts of care .
Prospective pet owners should consider various factors to help them find the pet that suits their families .
A ferret or hamster may be self-sufficient most of the day , while a boisterous puppy will not be . People who travel frequently or are out of the house most of the day will have to keep this in mind as well .
Affordability is another factor to consider . Assess whether you have the money necessary to offer shelter , recreation , medical care , food , exercise , and socialization for this particular pet . If you cannot budget for a pet that has a lot of needs , look for one that has relatively inexpensive care requirements , like a fish .
Remember that some animals can live many years , while others have a relatively short life span . Factor this into your decision as well . Once you make the commitment to the pet , it ’ s unfair to surrender an animal simply because you failed to recognize the time and energy required to take care of it .
For more assistance choosing a pet , speak with a trusted veterinarian or animal expert about the traits of certain animals and breeds up for consideration . n
Thomasville Scene February | March 2022 89