Quick 10 point list of things to consider before choosing which one would be right for you

Want a pet? We don’t want to put you off but you really ought to go through our 10 things to consider before you buy… and five of them are legal obligations!

1 Can you afford it?
It’s not just the initial price of the pet that counts. You’re talking equipment, vet fees (shots, annual boosters etc), food, boarding facilities if you go away. The lifetime cost of owning a dog bought in 2007 stands at just under $9000 whilst the corresponding figure for a cat is just over $7200. Pets cost!

2 Getting physical

A big dog needs lots of walking. A rabbit cage needs carrying outdoors to wash. And even a fish tank can be heavy to lift. Think ‘Am I up to this?’ With dogs, you should always check with experts about the amount of walking that a particular breed needs.

3 Time on your hands?

You’re going to need it. Pets need training, which can be very time-consuming and require great patience;. They need to be played with (although that is of course the fun part!) – dogs, parrots and rabbits should never be left alone for long periods. And they need to be kept clean (litter trays and cages are quite demanding). Your proposed pet will give tons of pleasure but it might mean you have less time to put your feet up!

4 Do you have the space?

You’d love an Old English Sheepdog but live in a small flat? Is it right to get one? You want a cat but have no garden. Anything’s possible but is it really fair. Be honest with yourself – is your set-up right?

5 How long are we talking?

Think lifespan before you buy a pet. Parrots and tortoises can live for over 100 years – so yes, you’ll need to think of a legal guardian for one of those if you’re concerned about what would happen to it if it outlived you! Dogs and cats vary, of course. But did you know house rabbits can live for up to 12 years. Ask before you buy – how long could you be tied into this lovely relationship for?

And the law has something to say about this…

The Animal Welfare Act of 2006, which came in to force last year, means that now all pet owners have a legal duty of care to their pets. So here are the five points you have to abide by to be within your legal duty to that not so powerless beastie…

6 Can you provide a suitable environment? Find out what that means for the pet you plan to get and make sure you’re eligible!

7 Can you provide a suitable diet? Find out what your pet’s nutritional requirements are and make sure you’ll have them. As soon as the animal moves in, it will need to eat!

8 Can you let your pet be itself? Our pets are pets but in some ways they need to behave as they would in the wild. And you have to let them do this, by law! Cats need to be given the opportunity to hunt by letting them play with fishing rod type toys or balls that they can chase. Gerbils must dig. Rabbits needs to blunt their teeth on things. What will the pet you want need to do. Find out!

9 Can you house your pet properly? Some pets are social, whereas others need to be kept on their own. Rabbits, for example, should ideally be kept with other rabbits, whereas golden hamsters should be housed alone or they will fight. Do you know what the pet you’re thinking of choosing would prefer? It’s your duty to!

10 Can you protect your pet from pain, suffering, injury and disease? It’s your responsibility to do just that. Your pet should be registered with a vet and should be given the recommended jabs. Some breeds are prone to inherited diseases – find out if yours is one. You have a legal obligation to monitor your pet’s health throughout its life, and take it to a vet if it needs it.

Compiled with the help of Sean Wensley Senior Vet at the PDSA. Vets are happy to talk to you before you buy and there’s lots of really helpful info at the PDSA website.

http://www.allaboutyou.com/

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