Pet Ownership
By Joy ButlerLesson 2: Responsible Pet Ownership
Pets become members of our family and develop strong bonds. They cannot take care of themselves or speak out for what they need. They are dependent upon us. In this lesson we will learn how to choose a pet in a way that we can make a lifelong commitment to it. We will discuss proper pet care and learn ways to make their environment safe along with how to cut some costs and recognize common health problems. We will also learn some first aid and emergency measures to employ while waiting for the vet.
Choosing, Commitment, and Common Sense
A pet should never be acquired on a whim or given as a gift unless you are absolutely sure the recipient wants and is able to care for the type of pet you are giving. Many kinds of animals make wonderful pets for humans, but there are some things to consider before you rush out to find this love of your life.
Consider the ages of family members. Children will beg for a pet and promise to take care of it but they do not have the maturity to be responsible for a living animal. Parents should remember that they will, ultimately, be responsible for it. Not every pet is right for children and this decision should not be taken lightly.
Pets need space. Consider whether you will need a securely fenced yard with shelter from cold, heat and precipitation. Underground fences may or may not keep your pet in, but they definitely will allow other animals in that can threaten the safety of your pet. If your animal will be kept inside it may need a crate or some place where it can retreat from the pressures of the family.
Pets require time. You will need to spend time grooming, feeding, training, taking your pet to the vet, exercising and cleaning up after. If you are gone for long periods and your pet is one that gets along with others, you may consider getting two so that they can keep each other company.
Pets need grooming. You must be prepared for baths, haircuts, brushings and nail clippings.
Pets need training. You will be sharing your home with an animal so you will want to make sure that it learns some basic manners. Some people want a young pet who can be trained the way they want it to be, and are willing to go through the crying, scratching, chewing, potty training accidents. Others want a mature animal who needs little more than some adjustments to a new home.
Pets cost money. Initial cost is minuscule compared to a lifetime of support for a pet. Expenses will include food, immunizations, grooming, preventatives and parasite control, toys, fencing, shelter, bedding, treats, collars, litter, and occasional vet care. If you are not able or willing to spend money on an animal, it’s best not to get one.
Pets are living beings with needs of their own. They are not dispensable. Wild and exotic animals are inappropriate as pets. The stress of captivity takes a toll and they rarely live a full life. According to Performing Animal Welfare Society, twelve states ban private possession of most exotic pets. Seven have a partial ban and sixteen require a license to own them. Sometimes people acquire a baby exotic because it’s cute, without considering that it may grow into a huge adult with its own wild instincts very much intact. Many wild animals roam or live in colonies and become psychologically disturbed and dangerous, living confined or without others of their kind. Most veterinarians strongly oppose the keeping of exotic pets that are considered dangerous to humans. When choosing a pet, we must respect the origin and environmental needs, the dietary requirements, social behaviors, and psychology of the animal. This attitude of respect is very important for children to learn. Most exotic animals end up exploited, abused, or abandoned because most people have not the will nor the way to understand and accommodate them for a lifetime.
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