PET SELECTION CONSULTATION
ARE YOU CONSIDERING A NEW PET?
We are happy to offer provide pre-pet selection consultations as a courtesy for clients.This service can help you with the important process of choosing the right species and breed of pet for your living situation, lifestyle, expectations, and finances.The human-animal bond is something to celebrate. We want you, your household member(s), and your new pet to have a long lasting and beneficial relationship. Please schedule your pre-pet selection consultation when you are ready. We would love to help in your selection process.
SELECTING THE RIGHT PET FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD
We strongly believe in “preventative medicine,” and therefore, want to assist you in choosing the best pet for your home. Please have all household members involved in your decision. If you are already certain of the species you want, we will direct you to the appropriate sources of information and pets.
If you are just beginning the pet selection process, please thoughtfully answer the following questions.
- Why do you want a pet?
- hunting
- unconditional love
- working
- for the children
- protection
- companionship
- gift
- family member
- What changes will this make in our household?
- Who will (realistically) feed, clean, and groom the family pet….initially? in 6 months? 5 years? 10 years?
- Can you afford the food? grooming? fence? destruction of property? Pet sitting? accessories? veterinary care? (Example: the food bill for a large dog is approximately $400-600/year.)
- Can you tolerate shedding? messes on the carpet? extra noise?
- What pet(s) do you currently own?
- Is anyone home during the day?
- List the ages of any children in your household?
- Does anyone in the household have allergies to any pets?
- Are there plans to move? If so, what will happen to the pet?
- If you go on vacation, who will care for your pet?
- If you rent, what pets are allowed?
- Does anyone in your household NOT want a pet?
- Do you have the time and energy for a pet?
- What previous pet experiences have you had (positive/negative)?
- Are you willing to change your choice of pet if information shows that your initial choice is not appropriate for your household?
- Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of the human-animal bond. (such as lower blood pressure, longer and healthier life, companionship,laughter etc.?
- If you have the space, time to train and groom—consider a dog.
- If your time and/or size of living quarters is limited—consider a cat.
- If you enjoy a colorful singing and/or talking highly bonded pet—consider a bird.
- If space is limited—consider fish or reptiles.
- If time and space are limited—consider rabbits, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs.
If, for some reason, no pet now fits with your lifestyle and/or situation—consider co-raising a pet, puppy sitting for the local Guide Dog group, volunteering at the animal shelter or veterinary hospitals, fostering kittens for the Humane Society, visitations with Welcome Waggers program.Once you have decided on a particular species of pet, the next step is to research what the breed characteristics are and match them with the behavior for which you are looking.
- We can provide information and resources for you.
- Cat, dog and bird shows allow you to see the different breeds and talk to the breeders.
- Pet shops and grooming shops have practical and helpful information.
- Libraries have lots of information. See the links section of our web site.
We praise you for planning ahead, and are ready to help you in any way. |
