Ten Rules For Getting A Pet
A pet is a lifetime commitment, so be sure you are prepared to accept
this responsibility for the life of the animal.
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 Be sure a pet fits your present and future lifestyle. That
cute little puppy is going to grow. Do you have a fenced yard for the dog
to play in? Are you home often enough to give the dog love and
companionship? Are you planning on moving in the near future and are
uncertain whether you could take animal with you? This is no excuse to
kill a pet or turn the responsibility over to someone else. Did you know
that veterinarians are asked to euthanize more pets for behavioral reasons
than for medical reasons. This reflects a failure on the part of owners,
not of pets. Pets are demanding of your time, and deserve when you make
the conscious decisions to bring one into your home. Be honest with
yourself - don't "give it a try" and see what happens. What happens over
1800 times every hour of every day in the United States alone is that
these animals are killed.
- Be sure you can be a responsible pet owner. Although everyone
considers themselves responsible, the facts say otherwise. Do you think it
is a pity not to have at least one litter from your current pet before it
is neutered? Wrong! Is it all right to let your dog out without a leash
because it always listens to you? Wrong! Pets need our attention, our
protection, and our concern. They need grooming and medical care. They
are not disposable when they misbehave, get older, get sick, or outlive
their entertainment value. They must be treated like members of the
family.
- Be sure you can afford a pet before you get one. Pets have
needs and it is short sighted to think that the purchase price is the last
expense other than food. Pets need routine health care, and care in case
of illnesses, vaccinations, spay/neutering, dentistry, training, and
licensing. Most would agree however that a pet gives much more than it
could ever cost. Should economic constraints arise, there are many public
service organizations that will see that you can have your pet neutered at
low or no cost. Failure to take advantage of these programs is a
reflection of irresponsibility, not poverty. However, you must pay for the
routine health care of your pet throughout its life.
- Never get a pet on impulse. Most puppy mills thrive on this
behavior. Do you want to rescue that poor puppy from that enclosure? Can't
stand to see those kittens kept in that unclean cage? Your intentions may
be honorable, but you are directly contributing to more of these animals
being produced and sold that way. If you want to break the chain of events
that makes this happen, don't buy a pet from any pet store, and caution
others against it too. No matter what the pet store tells you, they all
get their pets from mills. No responsible breeder sells through a pet
store. And if you saw how puppy mill breeder dogs are treated, (after you
finished vomiting) you would be horrified. Don't support them. Refuse to
buy from pet stores.
- If you do not need a pet for show purposes, consider adopting an
animal that needs a home. Breed rescue organizations do their best to
place animals in good homes and they will be familiar with the breed and
be able to tell if they have a suitable pet for you. If you don't want a
purebred, visit the local shelters. Not all shelters are created equal.
Only deal with ones that have the best interest of the animals at heart.
Responsible shelters will want to make sure that the animals are going to
an appropriate home, that you understand about vaccinations and health
care and that you agree to have the animal neutered if it has not yet been
done.
- If you do want a show quality pet or think you may want to breed it
someday, deal only with a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders
will undoubtedly be affiliated with the appropriate breed clubs, have
health care information available for several generations of their
animals, and if applicable, have had these animals screened for genetic
problems. Call the breed clubs and ask for information and a list of
breeders they might recommend in your area. Many good breeders spend more
time scrutinizing you before they will trust you with one of their animals
than you'll spend assessing them. A good rule is not to buy any purebred
where you can't see at least one of the parents and have access to the
medical history and performance record of both.
- If you intend to buy a purebred animal, check with your
veterinarian as to the potential heredity problems in that breed and
if they can be determined before purchase. Breeders that are truly
interested in the breed will be happy to discuss these concerns with you,
and. if possible, will provide proof of being clear, or can give a
guarantee. The same cannot be said of indiscriminate breeders and many pet
shops. What is their policy if your new pet has a hereditary defect? An
exchange-only policy is common for pet-sale outlets but they know that
once an animal has been welcomed into a family, most people can't return
it. These problems can also happen to reputable breeders occasionally and
how they are handled is a mark of just how responsible they are. Always
enquire before you buy. Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware!
- Be reasonable when it comes to purchase price. You can buy a
pet with 'papers' for $325-$2500. Either could be disasters. Ask yourself
what your money is paying for. Has there been excellent prenatal care for
the mother and proper health care for the puppies or are you paying for
freight and cage space for an animal shipped in from a distance location?
(NOTE: This is a sign of a puppy mill dog) Were the parents champions
(documented), did they hold titles in obedience, and are they clear of
heritable disorders? Are the animals kept in clean hygienic quarters and
have they been well-socialized? Is the breeder/seller accredited in
responsible health care (e.g. Project TEACH)? These are much more
important questions than does it have papers, or how much does it cost?
Support those breeders that care enough to do the job right and expect to
pay more. Remember: Puppy mill dogs have papers. Papers alone do NOT mean
it is a quality dog.
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 Immediately after acquiring a new pet, make an appointment with
your veterinarian and bring along with you all information you have
about its previous health care. It is also wise to bring a stool sample
since parasites such as worms are not unusual but will require proper
diagnosis and treatment. Puppies need a series of vaccinations when young
and then regular boosters annually. And, make sure you have your new pet
spayed or neutered as soon as your veterinarian recommends. Do not wait
for the first heat or the first litter. Did you know that you can
significantly diminish the risk of mammary tumors in bitches by spaying
them before their first heat? Neutered males are also at reduced risk of
experiencing prostate problems later in life.
- If you're truly interested in pets and THEIR welfare, take time to
understand the issues and why so many pets are destroyed each year. Give a
home to a pet in need. Don't accept a pet that doesn't fit your lifestyle.
Don't buy a pet as a whim. Don't support irresponsible pet sales. Don't
become a backyard breeder or buy a pet from one. Make sure that your
pets have been neutered. And, if you know somebody who doesn't know
better, tell them, or give them a copy of this.
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