Pet Q&a -- Tips for Choosing the Best Pet for you

Author: Nigel

| Posted: 08-02-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 6 | Rating: (50)

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*Question: What is the best way to choose the pet that is best for our family?

First, never purchase your new pet on impulse. Bringing a cute kitten or puppy home just because it was irresistible is rarely the best way to find a new pet.

A better option is to discuss the matter of pets together as a family first. Don't forget to consider the following in your discussion: grooming, personal attention, veterinary care and house training (if applicable). You may also want to ask each member of the family why they want a pet. Be sure your children understand that a pet is another member of the family, not a toy, and the pet's needs must be considered alongside other members of the family.

Next, review your lifestyle. Assuming, for example, you live in a city apartment or work long hours. In this particular situation an easy-to-care-for-pet like a fish, bird or cat should be considered. If you have a daily routine of jogging or running, then a dog would be a good companion for you.

To better understand the needs of a potential pet, consider talking to breeders and other pet owners. Another good resource is to attend local pet shows and talk to the judges. You can surf the internet for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you are considering making a member of your family. It goes without saying that you should consider the ages of your children when planning to get a pet in the home. Not only this, but consider the life expectancy of the pet for bonding purposes.

*Question: Should I get a pet from the local animal shelter or from a pet store like PetsMart?

It's really a matter of choice. My personal preference is that it is best to get pets from a shelter. The animals are well-cared for by the staff and have had plenty of interaction with people. The shelter's staff can tell you quite a bit about the animals to help you find the pet that you want. The staff can tell you which dog enjoys long walks, or which cat likes to curl up on your lap. Furthermore, animals from a shelter have already undergone medical treatments such as immunizations, and have already been neutered or spayed.

If, instead, you decide to look for a pet from a pet store, be sure that you get the pet store owner to give you a full briefing of the animal's attitude, primarily for dogs, cats and other animals with a good amount of interconnction with humans.

*Question: What is the best way to ascertain what type of dog is best for me?

Here are some steps to follow to choose the right type of dog for you:

- Find and read pet guides to learn about a specific dog breed's background or temperament or personality. Browse the internet for more details of those family-friendly breeds of dogs.

- Find a veterinarian to discuss details about the characteristics and temperament of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about that breed.

- If you are planning to find a puppy at a pet store, be sure to ask for the animal's status -- such as the dog's origin or physical problems or behavioral problems. If you do not want to use a pet store, you can also look for a puppy or dog at animal shelters or from a private breeder.

- Of course, one of the very best methods (though not very scientific) is to find out from your friends' and associates about their own experiences with various types of dogs they have owned.

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About the Author:

Pet expert Paige Harbold gives ideas for Pet Crates. As editor of Pet-HQ.com, she offers expert pet advice and writes Pet Care Questions and Answers for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.

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Pet Q&a -- Tips for Choosing the Best Pet for you

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