PennyPetz

Before you decide on getting a new pet there really is a lot to consider.  Adoption, or buying from a breeder? Cost? Commitment? Training? Will it fit with your lifestyle? Here are some things to think about before you make that step.

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Adopting a pet is good in so many ways. If you get it from a responsible adoption organization it will come fully vaccinated and sterilized and will be cheaper than purchasing from a breeder.  You should, however, understand that most animals for adoption will have had a life somewhere else and have a fully-fledged personality and set of experiences from Day 1.  Find out as much of the pet’s history as you can and ask if you are able to foster the pet for a while before you commit to full adoption. This will allow you to see if they fit with you (and vice versa). Purchasing from a breeder will inevitably be more expensive.  If they are selling pedigree dogs, ask to see the pedigree paperwork and go to see where they are keeping the animals in advance.  Ideally go to a breeder that has been personally recommended to you by other owners of their dogs. Good breeders will interview YOU before they are happy to let you have one of their animals. Never buy a pet from an online ‘store’ such as Kijiji - you won’t know the history, or even if they are the real owners of the animal. There are plenty of well-respected animal shelters and rescues where you can find a furry companion.

Not only will you need to feed your new pet (hopefully a high quality food), but you should also factor in vet visits, grooming, boarding/care when on vacation, and all the things that come along with a pet such as beds, bowls, crates, etc. 

 

You can speak with us for more information on a ‘starter pack’ of items you may need.

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On top of the dollar price the commitment, especially in the early weeks of having your new pet, should not be underestimated. Dogs will need training ranging from house training to walking on leash, recall, etc.  You may want to do this with a professional trainer or school.  Young animals and adopted pets may need extra time with you until they get used to their new home.  If you can’t dedicate this time then perhaps it’s not the right time to get a pet. 

Puppies and kittens are impressionable so often their early experiences will stay with them.  Keep their introduction low key and quiet. If they are meeting young children prepare the kids beforehand to be calm.  A place of refuge for them like a crate, pet carrier, or special location where they can go to relax is a good idea.  If you already have pets be sure to keep giving them the attention they are used to and introduce them slowly, especially if you are bringing an older pet home.

Make your household pet-proof - buy them good quality toys, keep loose wires tidied and don’t leave anything that can be toxic to pets (some foods and plants) around. Anything that might be easily broken by a boisterous puppy, or shiny for a playful kitten should be removed. Also make sure that they are safely kept in the house/garden and there are no easy escape routes.  

Find out what food your new pet has been eating and arrange to transition to a new food - ask us how to do this.

Register your pet with a vet so that they can remind you about vaccinations that may need to be done as well as have you on file in case of an emergency.

 

Finally - make sure you have ID on your pet, at least a tag with contact details and preferably have them microchipped.

 

We are here to give you advice on bringing your new pet home - don’t hesitate to contact us.