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Being a responsible pet owner
“A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.” How often do you see this statement in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and do you ever stop to think what it means?
Puppies and kittens are very cute and appealing, but owning a dog, cat or any pet is a big responsibility. Christmas is probably the worst time of year to make a decision about getting a pet – there’s too much going on and not enough time to weigh up all the pros and cons. So if you’re serious about becoming a pet owner, wait until the festive season is over, then think about some of these issues:
- What sort of pet would best fit in with your lifestyle? Dogs are sociable pack animals, and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. Cats are more independent, but still need a lot of care and attention.
- Can you afford a pet? It has been estimated that a dog could cost you about £775 in the first year. It isn’t just the cost of buying a pet – you need to think about food, bedding, vet’s fees, insurance, micro chipping, neutering – it’s an expensive business!
- Do you have time to spare for a pet? Dogs need regular walks and grooming, and even smaller pets such as hamsters, gerbils, budgies and rabbits have to be fed regularly and their cages kept clean and fresh.
- Is anyone in your family allergic to cats or dogs, or frightened of them?
- Do you want to re-home a rescue animal? This is a very worthwhile thing to do, but cats or dogs from rescue centres may have been neglected or ill treated in the past. If this is the case they will need a lot of love and attention from their new owners. You shouldn’t take on such a commitment if you’re not sure if you can see it through.
Owning a pet is great, and can give you and your family a lot of pleasure, but it’s a big responsibility. Unlike most Christmas presents, which may be forgotten by January 1, a pet needs your time and interest for the rest of its life.
www.dogstrust.org.uk
The largest dog welfare charity in the UK, with information on rehoming or sponsoring a dog
www.pdsa.org.uk
The PDSA offers veterinary care to pets whose owners can’t afford private vet’s fees
www.cats.org.uk
Cats Protection – for information on owning, rehoming or rescuing cats
www.bluecross.org.uk
The Blue Cross is an animal welfare charity that aims to ensure the well being of animals by providing practical care
www.rspca.org.uk
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with advice on the care of lots of different animals. Warning! Contains pictures of neglected or ill-treated animals.
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