Do your homework. Always choose a breed of cat or dog that is within the limits of your ability to care for their physical characteristics (such as coat, teeth and diet) while making great consideration for their exercise requirements. Most dogs in shelters are there because they’re energy level was mismatched with their owner’s and thus, resulted in behavior issues that the owner was unable to manage.
Make sure that you really have the time for a pet. This also a significant reason why animals are abandoned – people find they just don’t have the time. Cats are more independent and easier to leave alone for long periods of time but still they need daily play time and affection. Puppies and re-homed dogs do not do well left alone for more than a couple of hours. If you work full time, plan to have the financial resources to hire a dog walker or a doggy daycare, so your pooch gets the right amount of attention, exercise and socialization.
Be financially prepared. Just like children, animals can become ill and it can cost thousands to save their lives. If a pet becomes ill or is diagnosed with a disease, it can cost several hundred dollars a month for food and medication…sometimes for the rest of their lives.
Always rescue an animal. Shelters all across the nation are overcrowded with wonderful animals that only have a day left to live. Even if a prospective pet parent is really set on particular breed, they can find that breed from a pure breed rescue. If you do choose to buy your next pet, never buy from a pet store and never meet a breeder to exchange money anywhere other than where the animal resides so you can witness first hand what kind of environment they are living in. If the breeder asks to meet you in a mall parking lot or similar place, or offers to bring the animal to you – this is a sure sign of a “backyard breeder”. Most of these animals have poor health and have been neglected, abused and under socialized. Photo by Tom Sadowski
