Things To Consider Before Buying a Pet-


Here is a list of things to consider before buying a new pet.
1. Do you have the time to care for the pet properly? You should consider the amount of time it takes to feed, give water, clean up after the pet, play and bond with your pet.
2. Do you have the money for food, vet check-ups, toys, accessories, or a cage for the pet? Vet check-ups may be something you think you can get the money for later, but it is wise to have a new pet checked by a vet as soon as possible, especially if you already have one of its specie in your household. Food costs can also add up quickly, to feed a single anole alone, costs a minimum of $3.00/week. That's not mentioning supplies, like lighting, heating, substrate, etc. Remember: The larger the animal, the more it will cost to keep it healthy.
3. Does your lease allow pets at all? It is very important if you are renting to read your lease carefully. Some places only allow caged animals, and some allow none at all. Many pet owner's have had to get rid of their animals due to breaking of the lease. Many pet owner's have also been evicted due to keeping pets when the lease said none were allowed.
4. Do you have enough space for the particular pet when it reaches it's adult size? Many people have bought that cute baby iguana they saw at the petstore, and then later had to get rid of it due to their 5" baby growing to 5 feet long! The same goes for dogs, fish, any animal. I once read about a person going to a petstore and buying a fish that was 3 inches long. In a matter of one year that fish grew to the size of 3 feet long! Just think that 3 inch fish, once adult size needed at least a 100 gallon tank, of which is quite expensive.
5. Is anyone in your household, or yourself allergic to any particular animal(s)? If so, you may want to take their(or your) comfort into consideration before deciding on what kind of pet you want. Many a cat, dog, bird has been given away or gotten rid of due to allergic owners or family members. Not to mention all of the hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc!
6. Do you have young children? If so, some types of pets are inappropriate, especially if that is who the pet is for. Would you buy your 5 year old a pet that could easily break his/her finger if it bit him/her?
7. Who is the pet for? If the pet is for an elderly friend or relative, then you will want to get a pet that doesn't need a lot of care on the owners part. Fish are ideal pets just for this reason, all you need to do is come and clean the tank once or twice a month for him/her. This is especially true if the pet is for a young child and even more if it is the young child's first pet. Many young children will be excited of the possibility of taking care of that cute little bird you saw at the petstore, or the cute rabbit. But, after a week or so of cleaning up after the rabbit, most children quit and it is left up to the parents to provide the rabbit's care. Most parent's don't mind this, but many a pet has been given away or sold, because of a child's lack of interest and lack of time on the parent's behalf.
8. Are you home a lot? If not, then you will want a more independent animal, like a cat or fish. Reptiles, amphibians and hamsters are other pets that require little time on your part. If you do get a cat, you will want to get two. Cats are more independent, but get bored and destructive just like dogs, if left alone for too long. Getting a pair of cats, not only virtually eliminates this, but also provides double companionship for you and the animals.
9. How many pets are you looking at getting? While in some cases such as with cats, it is best to get more than one, sometimes it can also be a bad idea. More than one pet, also means more money, time and care on your part. But, more than one pet can also save your furniture.
With all of this in mind, I hope you are better able to make an intelligent decision when choosing a pet.


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