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Owning a Pet Choosing to own a cat or dog is a major decision and one that needs to be thought about very carefully. Owning a pet means that you are responsibility for their care and well being which can be both time consuming and expensive. Each year, thousands of pets, especially dogs are abandoned because people do not consider the consequences of owning them. People very often underestimate the amount of time and effort required plus the fact that their lifestyles have to fit in around the pet (especially a dog). Before you think of buying a pet you need to think about your lifestyle and what pet is right for you. Is it fair to have a pet where you live?I am out at work all day, should I have a pet? Pets, especially dogs, are social animals who crave human company. It can be cruel to leave a dog on its own all day so if you are likely to be out at work all day and not arrive home until late then this is something you need to consider.One option may be to consider owning another type of pet such as a cat or fish as these require less attention. Do you or anyone on your family have allergies? If so, then owning a pet can make this worse. Many people are allergic to animals such as dogs and cats. Proteins from the saliva, fur or urine of pets can cause an allergic reaction which attacks the airways and eyes. This can result in a rash or asthmatic symptoms. Stroking or coming into contact with animal fur can lead to asthma, hay fever, eye symptoms, nettle rash and eczema. Can you afford a pet? Vets bills can be expensive.Over a lifetime, owning a dog can cost nearly £10,000. With the cost of living rising all the time, you need to think about whether you can add the cost of owning a dog or cat to your monthly outgoings.A dog or cat can cause havoc in your home. Are you prepared to deal with it?Owning a dog or cat can mean chewed or scratched furniture, puddles and accidents (very often on your best carpet) and fleas. If you buy a puppy then you will have to housetrain it which can be a long drawn affair and messy in the bargain. Cats are generally cleaner but they can have certain ‘habits’ such as bringing home dead mice or other prey that they have killed.Both animals tend to moult and so you need to be prepared for the fact that they will shed hairs everywhere, some breeds more than others. This means you will have to put covers over your furniture to protect it from unwanted dog or cat hairs. You also need to bear in mind that a cat or dog can suddenly be taken ill or be involved in an accident. This can mean lengthy and costly veterinary treatment. If you away on holiday who will look after your pet?If you and your family decide to go away on holiday, you will need to consider your pet. There are several options which include putting your dog or cat in boarding kennels or a cattery, though this can be expensive and for some pets, an unsettling experience. You may have to rely upon other members of your family or friends to come in and look after your pet whilst you are away.If you decide to take your pet with you then, if you are holidaying in the UK you will need to check that the place you are staying at caters for pets. If you are looking to go abroad then you will have to make alternative arrangements. Unfortunately there have been cases of abandoned pets reported to the RSPCA, in which the owner or owners have gone on holiday and left the animal to fend for itself. If for whatever reason you are unable to own a dog then one solution may be to offer to help out at a local charity such as the Dogs Trust. This is a dog welfare charity which allows volunteers to sponsor a dog or to talk them out for walks. If you decide to go ahead then the next decision is whether to choose a cat or dog. |
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