Choosing the Right Pet

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOG

Adoptable Dogs

Almost every dog in a shelter can provide you with unconditional love and companionship, and every dog deserves a lifelong, loving home. Some dogs are better for you and your lifestyle than others are. That is why you should take the time to make a thoughtful choice. After all, you are choosing a friend who will be with you for many years. Select the right dog, and you and your new companion will enjoy those years to the fullest.

SIZE AND TEMPERAMENT A dog’s size, exercise, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatibility with children should all figure into your decision. An active, energetic dog might catch your eye, but a quiet reserved dog might be easier to live with and care for. Also, a dog who likes to be touched and is not sensitive to handling and noise will probably do well in a house full of kids.

PUPPY OR DOG? Puppies usually require much more training and supervision than mature dogs. If you lack the time or patience to housetrain your pup or to correct problems like chewing and jumping, an adult dog may be a better choice.

PURE OR MIXED BREEDS? Purebred dogs generally conform to a specific breed standard.” Mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds. If you can recognize the ancestry of a particular mixed breed, you have a good chance of knowing how he will turn out. Mixed breeds also are less likely to have genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs.

KEEP IN MIND WHEN VISITING A SHELTER A shelter is a stressful place for any animal. If you walk past a dog that seems unfriendly or aloof, do not dismiss it. This particular dog may be frightened or lonely. Ask to visit the animal in a quieter part of the shelter.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAT

Adoptable Cats

Cats make wonderful pets. They tend to be less demanding than dogs and can easily adjust to a variety of lifestyles and living spaces. Even so, a cat’s personality, age, and appearance, as well as the kinds of pets you already have at home, are all things you should keep in mind when you are making your selection. Remember, you are committing to love and care for your new pet for its lifetime up to 20 years. Choose carefully and be a responsible pet guardian.

CHOOSE A PERSONALITY..

Look for a cat that is curious, playful, alert, and comfortable while being held and stroked. Remember, because that are in an unfamiliar environment, some cats who are usually quite social may be frightened or passive while at the shelter.

KITTEN OR CAT?

Kittens are curious, playful, and full of energy, while adult cats are more relaxed and less mischievous. Kittens need more time to train and feed. Young children usually don’t have the maturity to handle kittens responsibly, so a cat that is at least four months old is probably the best choice for homes with kids under six years old.

PURE OR MIXED BREEDS? Purebred dogs generally conform to a specific breed standard.” Mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds. If you can recognize the ancestry of a particular mixed breed, you have a good chance of knowing how he will turn out. Mixed breeds also are less likely to have genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs.

SHORTHAIRED OR LONG? You’ll see more shorthaired cats at the shelter since they are the most popular and common cats. Longhaired cats make equally wonderful pets, but they do require more frequent grooming.

ADDING A CAT TO A HOUSEHOLD WITH PETS Cats can get along with other cats and despite the common stereotype most dogs can get along with cats. However, introducing a cat to a home with other pets will require patience. Isolate your new pet in a room of its own for a while. After several days, supervise interactions between the animals for increasing periods. Soon all of your pets will become best of friends.

WHETHER YOU CHOOSE A DOG OR A CAT BE RESPONSIBLE! Have your pet spayed or neutered to ensure that it never adds to millions of animals born each year who never find a good home. It will also help your precious friend live a longer, healthier life. Keep your new pet indoors. Cats and dogs allowed to roam outdoors are at far greater risk of disease or injury.