Top 10 tips to choose the right pet for your family

Top 10 tips to choose the right pet for your family:

The decision to buy a pet is usually an easy one, but problems can arise when it comes to choosing what type of pet – dog or cat, large or small, active or laid back. To help prospective pet owners make this important decision the right one Dr Righetti, PURINA’s resident animal behaviourist, shares her top ten tips.

1. Time – A pet requires a lot of your time and interaction, whether it is for grooming, daily exercise or general care. Working long hours isn’t ideal, as dogs need so much attention and exercise. Cats can be pretty self-sufficient but if left alone for long periods will tend to demand attention when you are home.
2. Energy – Choose a pet the matches your energy levels. Some pet owners imagine their new pet will improve their fitness levels. (“I got a border Collie to force me jogging”. Result = still unfit owner and bored, neurotic dog!)
3. Finances – Pets are expensive. Most people only consider the initial purchase. This is a fraction of the total cost. Can you afford vet care, holiday care, day to day items such as food, flea medication etc?
4. Space – The quality of interaction with you is more important to your pet than the size of your garden. Dogs can live in very small spaces, provided they receive adequate exercise and interaction. A large backyard will not guarantee a happy pet if they are left to entertain themselves all day.
5. Experience – Some animals are better for beginners that others. Test drive a friend’s pet to see if the particular species and breed matches your expectations. Gain knowledge by reading books, browsing websites and ask experts about the pet you are considering.
6. Other family members – Your choice of pet may not suit everyone in your family. Perhaps you have always wanted a Great Dane but your husband has his eye on a Chihuahua, or a family member has a nasty cat allergy. While the kitten may seem cute, having a sneezing a coughing child is not.
7. Other Pets – Consider any pets you have and how they are likely to greet a newcomer into the family. When you are selecting a new pet, if possible try introductions on neutral territory first, and remember not all animals of he same species get along!
8. Stage of life – Consider the point in life that you are at right now. Does a pet fit your lifestyle and life stage? Do you have young children and are consequently time poor? Many breeders do not let their pets go to families with children under 5 to ensure that you will have time to dedicate to your new pet.
9. Your expectations – Are you realistic about your expectation for life with a new pet? Do you have enough time, money and commitment? Will you solve any problems if they arise? Is the pet being acquired for ulterior motives rather than love and affection eg. Status, fashion?   
10. Which pet – If you have considered all of the above and you still want a pet, now is the time to decide which type. You may already on one particular species or breed, or you may reconsider your choices after reading this. A researched decision is a good one, even if that decision results in putting off your acquisition for a while. Check out Purina’s online Breed Selector Program at www.purina.com.au/breedselector.aspx for professional help.