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Thrifty Pets Part 1 - Think Before You Buy - Page 2

© Donna Dunn

After you've determined why you want a pet, ask yourself if the pet of your dreams will really fit into your lifestyle. All pets, be they furry or feathery, scaly or slimy, require varying amounts of your time and energy. And all of us, pets included, have different needs.

Some creatures thrive when provided with food, fresh water and a clean, appropriate living space. They are adept at amusing themselves and quite frankly seem to prefer minimal contact with their owners. Most reptiles and amphibians don't like to be handled and need a quiet environment.

Other species need more interaction with their owners to be healthy and well-adjusted. And dogs especially need to get out and about regularly. If you know your schedule can’t realistically accommodate a pet, you and your potential pet will be much better off if you just wait a bit and see if your situation changes.

Those are just a few of the things to consider before owning a pet. There are lots more suggestions and advice to be found at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. And once you've made the decision to become a pet owner, consider adopting a pet that has been abandoned by someone else. Petfinder has lots of information and links about adopting abandoned animals.

Next week: Thrifty Pets Part 2 - After You've Thought and Bought

(Links updated Dec. 14, 2001)

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