Sherri's Helpful Hints

Choosing the Right Pet for You

Before choosing a pet thought should be given to the following:-

How much time are you prepared to spend on them?How much house room have you got?Are they suitable for children?How much will they cost to keep?Are you fit enough to keep them properly?


DOGS
A dog needs a lot of commitment for many years and should not be left alone for long periods.It needs somewhere for exercise etc. A garden makes this a little easier but is not essential.Choose an animal of the size most suitable for your home.

Young puppies may be too boisterous for children under three.The dog has to be able to put up with children tormenting it without turning nasty.A new baby can cause dogs to be jealous.

Obviously, the bigger the dog the higher the costs involved. Costs incurred include purchase price, vets fees, vaccinations and annual boosters, desexing, pet insurance, holiday kennel fees and, of course, food.

Dogs are excellent company, particularly for housebound people, however, it is essential to have help exercising the animal on a regular basis. It may be a good idea to choose a fully grown dog ensuring you will know how much exercise it will need.


CATS

Although they like company they are quite happy on their own for long periods of time.A cat is an ideal choice for house or apartment dwellers and you don't have to have a garden.Cats are good with children, but watch small children in case they hurt it.

It is perhaps safest not to buy a cat or kitten when you are pregnant, if you already have one take special precautions when handling during pregnancy.Less expensive than dogs but will still incur costs for initial purchase, vets, inoculations, neutering and holiday cattery fees.

Very suitable for the elderly or homebound as they are very independent and naturally clean and do not need exercising.


BIRDS

Birds need to be fed every day and their cage cleaned at least twice a week. Many are able to amuse themselves but parrots like human company.They should be kept in as big a cage or aviary as possible to give them room to exercise their wings. This should be in a draught free, warm environment.

Birds will not usually talk if kept with other birds, however, it is a very lonely existence on their own.Costs vary according to type of bird and cage. A budgie won't cost much nor will a small cage, but more exotic varieties could be costly as can flight cages and aviaries.

Mobility not an issue.


FISH
Need daily feeding and in order to keep the tank in good condition it needs continual attention.Can be kept in indoor aquariums or outdoor ponds but they will not thrive in a bowl.

Suitable for all ages so long as there is a responsible adult to look after the tank.Tanks and ponds can be quite expensive to set up but, thereafter, costs are minimal. The purchase price of fish varies greatly depending on which varieties are chosen, tropical fish can be very expensive.

Mobility not an issue.