Pets can and should be be a rewarding experience, and much like children they require your input every day, so to have a pet and then what type of pet to have can be a major decision.
If you're the houseproud type, this is a major factor in deciding on which type of pet to have. Very young dogs and cats will need house-training, while birds will spill seed and fish will need regular maintenance. Dogs and cats can also be quite destructive in the home.
If you live in a rental property this can cause problems with landlords, and when you decide to move you may find many landlords are not able to accommodate pets.
If you travel regularly, arrangements need to be made for the wellbeing of your pets.
Living on a tight budget? Don't forget your animals will need feeding, possibly vaccinating, desexing and other vet care. It's easy to find animals listed for 'free' but at the end of the day they are still an additional cost in your weekly budget.
When it comes to making the decision about having a pet, remember that the person who will do most of the work and who must accept the responsibility for that pet is YOU. While animals bring pleasure to any household, having a pet is not a decision that should be made lightly.
What Kind Of Pet Shall We have?
People who have had
pets before generally know what they want and what's involved. For others, especially those who are not used to sharing
their homes and lives with pets, the answer requires some research and thought.
By far the most popular pets are Dogs
and cats . They play a significant
part in family life with children having constant contact with
them. Physical contact is important to them and they respond accordingly.
A dog is the most demanding and expensive of the domestic pets. They need training, companionship and regular exercise. It is important to select the right type of dog for your lifestyle and conditions. Small or large, lively or placid, short or long coat and so on.
Cats eat less, no registration fee is involved and you don't have to exercise them. Cats need care and affection, but they have less demands than dogs.
Dogs and cats often live for 12 to 15 years or longer, so you need to be committed to having them for their entire life.
Budgies, canaries and cockatoos and other birds make interesting pets and can be very responsive to human contact. Birds are, of course, much happier living in an aviary than in a cage.
Rabbits,
guinea pigs or mice are another option. You and your family may like to have a
decorative tank of fish, or a turtle. All need suitable cage
or tank accommodation, and daily feeding and maintenance.
It's a big decision, and one that needs careful thought. If you have any questions about pet ownership, or what kind of pet would be suited to you and your lifestyle, our helpful team are more than happy to discuss your requirements with you. You can call us on 03 473 0387 or email us with any enquiries.
We have also teamed up with vetsonline.co.nz to provide you with some information regarding pet care, please click on the links below:
