Take the time to think, learn, and ask questions before getting a pet. You must and need to understand these items first and foremost. Please do not get a pet if you are not comfortable them….

– Its a huge emotional and financial commitment that you are caring for their lifetime! (Dogs: 10-15 / Cats: 15 -20 years)
– Pets are not just toys or playthings, they need attention and love
– Do you even know if you are allergic to dogs or cats?
– Pets can not understand human language, so please be patient when working with them
– Research for the right breed, wealth of information on the internet, all dog breeds have their own energy levels, temperament and personalities
– Pets are extremely dependent on you and become a part of your daily routine.

Top 10 Reasons Pets Are Surrendered

Dogs
1. Moving (not the dog’s fault)
2. Landlord issues (not the dog’s fault)
3. Cost of pet maintenance (not the dog’s fault)
4. No time for pet (not the dog’s fault)
5. Inadequate facilities (not the dog’s fault)
6. Too many pets in home (not the dog’s fault)
7. Pet illness(es) (often due to lack of care or lack of money)
8. Personal problems (not the dog’s fault)
9. Biting (usually a training problem)
10. No homes for littermates (not the dog’s fault)

Cats
1. Too many in house (not the cat’s fault)
2. Allergies (not the cat’s fault)
3. Moving (not the cat’s fault)
4. Cost of pet maintenance (not the cat’s fault)
5. Landlord issues (not the cat’s fault)
6. No homes for littermates (not the cat’s fault)
7. House soiling (often due to illness or stress)
8. Personal problems (not the cat’s fault)
9. Inadequate facilities (not the cat’s fault)
10. Doesn’t get along with other pets (new pet and don’t want old one anymore)

The sad reality when looking to get a pet is that many people will lie to you. Greed and money make selling pets a big business. Please do your research and due diligence to finding your pet from the right business or person. And most importantly, you should only get a pet when you know you can give 100% full of love and care for. Pets are often abused and neglected with people getting them for all the wrong reasons and worse intentions.

– Avoid buying a dog or cat from pet stores, newspaper ads or directly from an online website.
– Owners should allow you to visit and see where they breed and keep their dogs to ensure clean, comfortable and spacious area . Real owners who care have nothing to hide.
– Reputable Breeder asks you sign and commit to a contract to ensure well being of dog to and protect you and them which include spay/neuter agreement, breed papers, health contract, and let the animal be returned if it doesn’t work out
–  Reputable Breeder asks why you want a dog, who will be responsible for dog care, if your living sistuation is suitable for a dog to amke sure it goes to a good home. A real breeder cares for the animal and where it will grow up and its overall well being so it will taken care of for its whole life. They want to know your background.
– USDS Approved Does NOT Count. It is just a license to breed but does not mean dogs are well cared for
– All animals should be properly vacinnated with shots and there is no excuse, a real owner has great relationship with vetanarians in the area

Certain aspects of your home need to be thought about when owning a pet. Certain accidents and damage can happen. These issues need to be addressed before owning a pet or accounted for.

– Pets can scratch up furniture

– An animal with a fleas can be spread throughout your home

– Certain pets need ample room to play and run, does your home have access to a yard

– Pets can shed fur, lots of it and it will be everywhere

– Pets not properly trained can have accidents that damage carpet or hardwood

– Pets sometimes dig into potted house plants

– If let home alone, they can chew, dig, scratch at times if they have too much energy or curiosity and can test an owners patience

– Children aren’t often helpful in pet care, so please get the whole family on board.

A pet owners lifestyle will vastly determine if you should own a pet. Lifestyle concerns that are not addressed or changed to accommodate a pet often result in stress for an owner resulting in a pet being given up. Your pet is now a part of your life.

– A simple question is: Do you have have proper time for care, play and companionship for your pet?

– Do you travel a lot?  Who can take care of your pet or can you pay for hotel costs?

– What is your work life like? Who can let dog out when not home or go to work?

– Can every family member in the home deal with the pet?

– Many rental places do not allow pets and most have pet restrictions?

Pet care is often overlooked by potential owners. A new owner needs to be aware of the time and finances that will go into caring for your pet. Not addressing a pets care can cause various issues.

– Petes need toys and entertainment

– You will need to brush your pets teeth and trim nails

– Dogs need lot of exercise, a combination of walks and fetch to use energy.

– Dangerous items and hazardous situations like electrical wiring, sharp options, chemicals need to be addressed

– Prevent fleas tickets and worms by monthly or yearly medication

– Pets need necessary vaccinations and updates

– If your pet is injured or sick, you need to bring to veterinarian which can be high costs

– Certain breeds of dogs or cat need proper grooming

 

These are the various costs that need to be considered when owning a pet. Every persons financial situation is different and must be reviewed. Not having proper finances can trouble for yourself and your pet.

Calculations show it can be $1000-2000 to first get a dog and then $500-1000 for annual pet expenses. 

– Spend money on regular veterinary visits

– Beds

– Collar

– Food and treats

– Toys

– Grooming

– Vaccinations

– Emergency pet visits

There is a lot of time and patience needed to train your possibly energetic pet. Please be understanding and work with your pet to set the standards for your home. It will be worth it in the end!!!

– Puppies are much more difficult and require lots of house training. as they are learning in their young life. Adopted animals can be much better. Time will need to be spent to train your dog for a variety of issues. No training can result in damaged clothing, excessive barking, aggressive behavior, running away, etc)
– Puppies and kittens can require a lot of house training
– Potty training is a top priority to your pet house broken and there will be lots of cleaning
– It will take a number of hours each day to train and exercise your new pet, but will pay off in the end.
– Just remember a pet dogs not speak the human language! So be patient to help them understand.
– Sometimes adopted dogs have gone through bad experiences and will need time to trust again.

Basic Training items – nipping, barking, sit, stay, exercise, react with other dogs, no fighting, no biting household items