JSPCA FACT SHEET - CHOOSING THE RIGHT PET FOR YOU

Pets are very rewarding and loyal companions.  However, before taking on a new pet, it is important to be fully aware of the extra responsibilities that owning a pet will involve, such as obtaining veterinary treatment for the animal if it becomes sick or injured and arranging for it to be properly cared for while you are away from home.  Every year, thousands of dogs and cats are abandoned or suffer from neglect because owners do not, or cannot, provide correct care.  Pet owners must also understand and know how to care for the pet and realise that this responsibility is for the whole of the animal’s life.

For many children, the family pet is their best friend, a companion who not only provides love, but who also teaches them about friendship, responsibility and loyalty.  While most family pets are cats and dogs, other small animals can be wonderful family pets.  Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, small birds and fish make great family pets, as long as they receive the specialized care that they need.  Even though these animals are smaller than a dog or cat, they still require just as much attention and care. 

It should always be anticipated that the family pet will be a lifelong member of the family who depends on the entire family, but especially the adults.  A pet should never be considered only as a temporary playmate for children.

Pets are very good for people, but matching different people with the right type of pet is very important.  Many mistakes are made because not enough thought is given to the family home circumstances and the lifestyle of the prospective pet owner.  Unfortunately, too many pets are impulse buys, which often culminates in disastrous results.

Before obtaining any pet, a decision needs to be made as to what type of pet would be most suitable for your particular lifestyle and whether your lifestyle will accommodate the needs of a pet.  Areas that must be considered include:

• Lifestyle:  Would a pet fit into your daily routine?  If you are out all day, or keep irregular working hours, perhaps a cat is a better choice than a dog, for example.  Dogs need regular daily exercise and do not enjoy being left alone inside all day. Cats are independent creatures and will come and go as they choose if a cat flap is provided, or if the cat is an indoor cat, litter trays can be provided.  However, caring for a cat demands as much commitment as with any other animal.  Dogs and cats can make very rewarding pets, but before acquiring one, it is very important to carefully consider your own lifestyle.  Dogs can be very demanding and keeping a dog is a large responsibility.  Is there really enough time in your lifestyle for a dog or a cat?  You should find out as much as you can about the type of pet before considering taking on the responsibility.  Learn as much as you can by researching as many books as possible.  Ask advice from many different relevant sources, such as your local veterinary surgery or animal rescue centres.
• Responsible pet ownership: Once a new pet is selected it is vital to learn as much about its requirements as possible before it is brought into the home.  All pets have similar basic needs, but each species has special needs according to it biology and behaviour.  Remember also the extra responsibilities that owning a pet will involve, such as obtaining veterinary treatment for the animal if it becomes sick or injured and arranging for it to be properly cared for while you are away from home.  Boarding kennels can be booked a long time in advance, so ensure you make reservations early, as soon as you know your travel dates.  Also, boarding kennels and catteries will require an up to date record of vaccination.  Dog owners must understand their responsibility to keep their dog under control and not allow it out alone, so that the dog does not become a nuisance to other people or their pets.  Dog mess in public places is unacceptable, hence dog owners must acknowledge the necessity to clean up after their dogs.  It is a legal requirement for dogs to have a collar and identity tag (with the owner’s name and contact details) and all dogs require a dog license, which are obtainable from your local Parish Hall.  Micro-chipping is also recommended as a means of identification.
• Space:  if considering obtaining a puppy as a pet, ensure that you know how large the dog will be as an adult.  Large dogs will obviously require a large home and garden; dogs come in all shapes and sizes and a dog should be selected that suits the family’s lifestyle and environment.  Exercise is essential to your dog’s well being.  The amount of exercise required will depend on the type and size of your dog.
• Finances:  remember to consider your financial budget when making a choice about the suitability of different types of pets.  Boarding fees, veterinary bills, feeding and grooming are all some of the costs you should think about.  Remember to bear in mind pet insurance; unforeseen emergency veterinary treatment can be expensive and by insuring your pet, financial assistance would be available in the event of illness or accident. 
• The right time:  a new pet requires lots of love and attention and a daily routine for feeding, for example, should be quickly established to help the pet settle into its new home and environment.  Ensure that you choose a quiet period in your family life so that you can devote time to helping the new pet settled down.  Christmas is completely unsuitable as it is a very busy, stressful period, when little regular routine for your new pet is likely to be established.
• Children:  looking after a pet is a big responsibility.  However, involving children in the care of pets can be a very rewarding and educational experience for children.  Not only do the children learn about responsibility and about caring for others, but they can also develop a respect for other living beings.  Small mammals such as rats and guinea pigs make good first pets for children.  However, remember that adults should always be the primary caregivers of the family pet, accepting responsibility for the pet, and willing to supervise their children when they are with the animal.

Caring for your new pet:

To care for a small mammal (eg guinea pig, rabbit, hamster etc) you will need:

• Provide regular, suitable meals and a constant supply of fresh clean drinking water.
• To seek appropriate veterinary care for your pet
• To provide an interesting and stimulating environment that meets that particular pet’s needs.
• To provide regular exercise out of their cages.
• To ensure that the pet is kept in a clean and healthy environment.  Regular and frequent cleaning of the cage and replenishment of any litter substrate or bedding is very important.

Caged pets are completely dependant on their owners to supply all their needs.  If the animal is not fed, for whatever reason, they cannot scrounge from the neighbours or scavenge in bins, so the decision to keep a caged pet actually brings with it a high level of responsibility.

To care for a cat you will need to:

• Provide regular, suitable meals and a constant supply of fresh clean drinking water.
• Provide outdoor access or be prepared to empty and clean a litter tray on a daily basis.  Some cats may prefer to use a tray indoors as well as having access outdoors.
• Ensure there is freedom to exercise in a safe place, such as a fenced garden away from busy roads and traffic.
• Provide a clean and comfortable bed.
• Groom your cat regularly – long-haired breeds require grooming daily to avoid matting
• Regularly vaccinate your cat against the major feline infectious diseases, worm your cat regularly and provide treatment for fleas – ask your local veterinary surgery for further advice.
• Be prepared to take your cat to the vet if necessary – pet insurance can help offset the cost of treatment, which can be expensive.
• Have time to play with your cat and provide plenty of human companionship.

To care for a dog you will need:

• The time to provide exercise (walks and play) in all weathers and on dark nights and give adequate daily attention such as grooming.
• To provide training and ensure that the dog receives adequate socialisation throughout its life; you will be legally responsible for your dog’s behaviour.
• To seek appropriate veterinary care for your dog, including annual vaccinations and regular worming and preventative flea control.  Veterinary bills can be expensive and pet insurance is strongly recommended to help you receive some financial assistance in the event of an unforeseen accident or illness.  Other expenses that need to be considered include providing a proper and sufficient diet to keep your dog in good condition and boarding fees, which must be allocated for when going away on holiday where the dog will be unable to accompany you.
• To be able to provide a safe and secure home for the dog’s whole life.

Dogs and cats are very endearing, but require a lot of time, effort and money for look after properly.  If you do not think that you will be able to provide life-long care for a pet, you should not acquire one.  Pet insurance is strongly recommended and it is recommended that you ensure that the policy cover is effective as soon as possible after acquiring your new pet.

Is it better to obtain a young animal or an older one?

Many families with young children tend to decide upon a kitten or puppy as a new pet, believing that these pets are safer, easier to train and more adaptable than older, larger pets.  However, this is not always the case.  Puppies and kittens require extra time and care and are prone to play-related scratching and biting, so they may not be appropriate for a household with young children.  Adopting a friendly, calm, adult animal that has a known history of socialising well with young children may be the best choice for your family.  Before making a definite decision, talk to your local veterinary surgeon or the animal shelter adoption staff who can help you select the right animal for your family.

Kittens vs cats and puppies vs adult dogs:

Would obtaining a kitten be the most appropriate option for your circumstances? Remember that kittens can be very demanding and destructive and since cats can live to their late teens and early twenties, by obtaining a kitten, you will be committing yourself to many years of care.  Kittens that have not been well socialised from an early age may not make ideal companions if there are young children in the family.  These animals may be quite shy and afraid in a busy household.  Similarly, farm kittens can also be quite a challenge and may need to be placed in an experienced household.  Only decide on a kitten as a pet if someone will be at home for all or part of the day to give the kitten the care and attention it needs.

Older, adult cats have much to offer and may be better for owners who are out working, are elderly, or have families with young children.  Also, there are many lovely adult cats waiting for new, loving homes in all of the animal rescue centres.

Consider that an adult dog may be a better choice than a puppy because the adult dog will probably already be housetrained, more settled and have passed the ‘chewing’ stage of its life.  However, as an adult dog, it may have already developed some habits, both good and bad!  Remember that an adult dog will reflect its previous up-bringing, so there may be some behavioural problems to overcome.  If deciding to obtain an adult dog, consider the animal rescue centres and breed rescue organisations.   If visiting an animal charity or shelter, please be guided by the staff as they know the animals in their care very well and have a lot of experience matching the right dogs with the right homes.  The ultimate aim of rescue centres is to find loving, long-term homes for dogs that have often been unfortunate victims of circumstance. 

Before obtaining a dog, consider which breed type would suit you and your lifestyle the best.  There are many books providing information on breed differences hence it is highly recommended that you thoroughly research your choice before making any decision or commitment.  Remember to consider cross breed dogs as they can also make wonderful companions. 

Selecting your new pet:

• Fish, birds and small mammals (such as gerbils, rabbits and guinea pigs) should be purchased from a reputable pet shop or breeder.
• When purchasing a new pet, always try to acquire bright, happy, inquisitive and lively animals, those that come towards you and greet you.  An animal that is small in comparison to its fellow littermates and that remains sitting hunched in the corner of the pen may have a problem. 
• Ideally, if choosing a kitten or puppy, it should be obtained directly from the home in which it was born.  Meeting the mother (and the father if possible) may be helpful in judging the kind of temperament the puppy or kitten may develop and for dogs, importantly, the size to which it may grow.  Also by seeing the rest of the litter, you can see if the kittens and puppies appear healthy and are of the correct age when you take them home.  However, there will be occasions when this is not possible, such as when choosing a kitten or a puppy from a rescue organisation, if, for example, the kitten or puppy was brought into the rescue centre as a stray. 
• Puppies and kittens that have been handled from a very early age tend to be gentle and readily accept human company.  Older puppies and kittens that only meet people for the first time at 8 weeks of age can be timid and will need extra attention to help build their confidence and overcome their apprehension.  If possible, meet with the litter of kittens and puppies from which you may purchase a pet before they are weaned, when they are at their most out-going stage.  Commonly puppies and kittens are taken into their new home at approximately 8 – 10 weeks of age.
• Before purchasing a new pet, check the animal closely for clean ears, a clean coat, bright and clear eyes and a clean bottom.  It is also recommended to check the animal’s weight to make sure that it is not underweight.  Puppies and kittens (dogs and cats) should have been fully weaned, wormed, treated against flea infestations and vaccinated, as appropriate.  Remember to ask for a copy of the vaccination certificate and the record of worming at the time when your take your new pet home.
• If buying a cat or dog from a breeder, it is good practice to request a written agreement stating that purchase is subject to a satisfactory examination by your veterinary surgeon within 72 hours of the purchase.
• Find out as much information as possible about your individual chosen pet before you take it home, for example, what food it has been fed on.  Other things to enquire about, especially if obtaining an adult dog, is whether the dog is friendly towards cats and other animals, how the dog behaves away from the home environment and whether help and advice is available should any behavioural problems arise after you have taken the dog.

Caring for your new pet:

Once you have chosen your new pet, it will be necessary to prepare for its arrival in its new home.  Initially, during the first few days when the environment is strange and new to the pet, it may feel a little anxious and unsettled, so it is important to ensure that your new pet is given a lot if attention and care during this first stage.  Make sure that you have a suitable bed, cage or tank prepared, as appropriate to the type of pet you are acquiring.  Also make sure that you know and understand about the particular animal’s diet and have a good supply of the correct, appropriate food.  Your veterinary surgeon may be helpful in advising you on a suitable feeding regime for your new pet.

Children and pets:

If you think your child is ready for a pet, first introduce the child to friends’ well behaved pets so you can observe your child’s behaviour around them.  The parent is the best judge of a child’s maturity.

How should my child interact with pets?

To protect both your child and your pet, it is critical that an adult supervise all pet-child interactions.  It is also important to help your child see the world through your pet’s eyes.  Before you bring a pet into your family, set up and enforce rules regarding proper pet care.  For example, tell your children not to pull the animal’s tail, ears or other body parts and insist that they never tease, hit or chase the pet.  Teach children how to properly pick up, hold and pet the animal.  It may be helpful to explain that even the most friendly pet has its limits and that all animals must be treated with care and respect.  Help your child to understand that:

• Pets need space and may not always welcome human attention, especially when eating, playing with their toys or resting.
• Pets may become upset by too much stroking or stimulation. Teach your child to heed warning signs (such as hissing, lip curling, retreating and growling) that indicate her animal friend wants to be left alone. Explain how some pets may feel threatened when stared at, cornered, or hugged.
• Other people’s pets may feel and display discomfort if your child touches or even approaches them.  It is important to tell your child to get permission from an adult before touching another pet.
• Animals in pain may lash out or bite anyone who tries to touch them.  Teach your child to leave an injured pet alone and to immediately notify an adult.
• Some dogs get excited and may even become a danger when children scream and run.  Teach your child how to behave appropriately when around dogs.
• Dogs in yards or cars may try to protect their territory if approached, so teach your child not to tease or get close to them.

Allowing children to help care for a pet teaches the child responsibility so try to involve your child in tasks regarding caring for your pet that are appropriate for the age of your child.  Try to include children in pet related tasks by explaining why and what you are doing.  Even young children can be involved in some aspect of caring for an animal, such as helping to choose a new toy or collar, or assisting with grooming.  However, remember that the best way to teach your children how to be a responsible pet owner is to be one yourself. 

Remember:

JSPCA working to

“prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for aged, sick, lost and unwanted animals.”

Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Inc.)

Founded 1868 – Incorporated 1936

89 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ         

Tel: 01534 724331          Fax: 01534 871797

E-mail: info@jspca.org.je          Website: www.jspca.org.je

References and further reading:

• Blue Cross
• The Pet Health Council
• HSUS – Humane Society of the US
• SSPCA