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Considerations Before Getting Any Pet
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Owning a pet, or being owned by one, is a life long commitment
to the animal. Pets may live 15 to 20 years and you must be
prepared to provide for the food, shelter, health care, and
emotional nurturing of the animal for that period of time. Pet
ownership is not a short term commitment, it is a life long
commitment. This can not be stressed enough. Pets do become
members of the family and the commitment should be just as
strong.
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Are you fully prepared for the cost of pet ownership? It’s
definitely not cheap. There is no such thing as a “free”
pet. It is estimated that on average Canadian dog owners will
spend between $600.00 and $1,500. per year. Personally I feel
that cost estimate is on the low side, double it and I feel it
would be more realistic. An animal with medical conditions can
cost considerably more. A dog with diabetes and arthritis can
add as much as $200.00 (or more) per month in medications,
supplies, and testing to the average costs. I know we’re paying
it now.
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Do you have the time for a pet? Do you? People away from home
for extended periods of time, where the animal is left
unattended, should be very careful about getting pets. Dogs left
alone for extended periods of time can develop severe
behavioural problems. Puppies, and kittens to a lesser extent,
especially need almost constant supervision and nurturing
especially until they are thoroughly house trained. Regular
social interaction, exercise and play periods are a must for a
well behaved and socialized member of the family.
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Why do you want a pet? Get serious about this one. To stop the
kids from badgering you for a pet is not a good enough reason.
Neither is “it will teach them responsibility”. You are the
adult, do you have the right reasons to own a pet? When the new
wears off are you going to be happy with the pet? Is your
commitment to the animal truly there? Pets can enrich your life
immensely. Can you enrich the animals life?
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What are your future plans? Jobs change, promotions, transfers,
and your housing situations. If you move finding pet friendly
accommodations can be a challenge for one thing. Having to give
up a pet because of changing circumstances can be traumatic for
everyone involved, especially the animal, they can’t reason out
what’s happened. Heart broken children at the loss of their
beloved pet can be difficult for any family. You must be willing
to take the needs of your pet into consideration. Are you
willing to make sacrifices for your pets well being?
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Pet ownership has built in rewards. Nothing beats the
enthusiastic greeting of a puppy or the contented purring of a
lap full of cat. You will get so much from your pet, please
ensure you give as much as you get. Be responsible, think before
you get a pet.
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