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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet
Lifestyle & Environment
If you are home a lot and have time to train, play, walk, and interact with a pet, this is a good indication for a young dog or cat. Even a bird needs some training and play and interaction with you. But all these animals can be boarded if you are out of town much or you can pay for an inhouse sitter.
Available Space
It is important to consider your time when deciding on a pet that fits your lifestyle. Do you have a yard or just a small deck? A bird, on the other hand, takes up not so much space but they do need your time and attention.
Time
If you are out a lot, ‘on the go’ kind of person, you might consider an aquarium with a beta fish on their own or a couple of Dwarf African frogs in a small tank. They are fairly easy to care for and you can have a neighbor or friend check on them when necessary.
Age Considerations
Age is another factor to consider. Would you want to hike with a young healthy dog, maybe enter an agility class, or cuddle with an older kitty. Would rescuing an older dog and a bird for companionship be more your fit? Or are you into simply admiring the swimmers in your aquarium.
Be sure to consider any allergies to furry or feathered pets too!
Different Types of Pets and Their Requirements
Bird Care
Let’s consider birds. They come in many different sizes, colors, and species. Some live longer then most people. Do you want to teach your bird bud to talk. What are their typical health concerns. How much space does a large parrot need? A small budgie lives on average just 10 years and can be taught to talk and live in a fairly small cage with toys, food, water, a bath maybe.
Kitty Care
Kitty cats come in different size, colors, ages, breeds, short hair, or long hair. Do you want to be taking your kitty pal to the vet for shots, nail trims? Pay for food, meds, treats, toys, maybe a cat tree, a bed, insurance, give them some training time, teach commands and tricks? Remember they do live a normal 11 to 20 some years.
Doggy Care
How about doggies! They come in all sizes from 5 lbs up to 100 plus. What size will be best for your abode and activities? They will need vet visits, insurance, meds, food, treats, toys, a bed, and your attention. What age and type of dog is best for your circumstances?
Aquarium Care
A small fish bowl for your Beta or a small tank for your Dwarf African frogs or four or five small fish….they don’t require a lot. A tank filter, a heater, some decor, food, water conditioner. That is about it. Of course they want some of your attention. You might also consider a reptile: lizard like a gecko or a turtle who might need some special lighting.
Take a look at this post on pet adoption questions.
Benefits of Pet Ownership for Families
Dog Loyalty
I have had several pets myself and many of the types mentioned above. Dogs are so loyal and lovable. They are great companions and even guard you, big or small. Teaching your kids to care for your pet is a great lesson in responsibility and much of the time they will become inseparable.
Cat Cuddling
This is the first time I have had a cat and they are so very independent but also loveable and very much a companion. They may consider you a sibling, at least sometimes I believe my cat thinks she is my big sister and tries to reprimand me for going to bed before she is ready. But you can also teach these kitties to do tricks, commands, even to walk with you.
Bird Attachment
Birds become very attached to you also. My birds would kiss my lips with their wee beaks…I had two budgies at different times. You can also train these little ones, if you have the patience, to talk, to sit on your finger, and more.
Aquarium Critter Wonder
Dwarf African frogs are very fun to watch; at least when they are younger and floating and doing acrobats in your tank. Beta fish are beautiful with their flamboyant tails and curving motions through the water, but be sure not to add any other animals to your tank. Betas are very solitary creatures and will attack any ‘intruders’. My longest living frog was just over 4 years while the Betas I did not do well with for longevity…cleaning and water conditioning are important here.
You get attached to any animal as a pet as they do you…even the small froggys are alert to you. Do see many articles on pet adoption in my category section…try Pet Adoption Is It for You?
Adoption vs. Purchasing Pets
If you feel you must have a full breed then you will most likely have to find your pet through a breeder. However, I believe, with so many animals in shelters waiting for forever homes, rescue is the best method for finding a pet dog, cat, or bird. You can spend time with them before adopting to see their personality, how they react to you, being with you. Many times they are healthier in the long run than a full breed. You can find out about their history: living, medical. Breeders, on the other hand, do not really have any real history to share with you other than maybe the pet’s parents.
Check out my post ‘Pet Adoption Myths Debunked‘.
Fish or froggies or turtles I have had luck with from pet stores. Or you can search out specialty pet stores like Zoo Med Labs in San Luis Obispo, California, who specialize in turtles and reptiles.
Animal Rescue Sites
In any case, which ever type of pet you decide on, do take it as a lifetime commitment. This is not a trial time, it is a decision to take this animal into your home and care for them indefinitely. Check out my post on best animal shelter web sites here. You can also look under my ‘categories’ on my welcome page for specific articles on birds, cats, dogs, aquariums, and pet adoption. Add to cat and dog shelters your local recommended shelters from your friends. And for birds be sure to look at My Right Bird.
Funny Animal Videos
Enjoy Big Geek Daddy’s Bush Dogs Uncovered.
And second, see Amazing Dog Facts.
Last we have This is your internet.
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