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 Before
you add a new pet to your family, we've gathered a few tips below
to help make the right decision. Overall the best tip we can give
you is take your time, consider all your options and consider commitment
and finances as well. Take is slow and we hope these tips help you!
Puppies and kittens vs. an adult
Puppies and kittens are so cute and it may seem easier to start
fresh with a young pet that you can train to be whatever you want.
And, actually it is!! Puppies and kittens fit quickly and easily
into a home with or without pets because they have no past habits
or ideas about what life is like.
However, you need time, the finances and training to get the pet
of your dreams.
Our tip for you is this: Think
it through!
Dogs need physical and mental activity, training and on average
cost about $2000 per year.
Cats need indoor activities, quality time with you and cost about
$1500 per year.
Consider alternatives to pet stores
Adoption Centers across the nation, like the NHSPCA, take in thousands
of unwanted animals each year. We have all kinds of pets, young
and old, pure bred and mixed. We provide medical care, vaccinations
and spay or neuter all our animals - making adoption the better
option financially. Many of these animals are trained, social, and
make great additions to loving families. We also have a support
system for those that need a bit of training or behavior modification.
Our tip for you is this: Please
visit your local adoption center first, when looking for your newest
family member!
Do your homework
When deciding on a breed of dog, whether a purebred or a mix, be
sure to ask the professionals. While dogs are individuals and personalities
will differ (even within the same litter), each breed of dog comes
with their own set of personality traits: both good and bad!
Our tip for you is this: When
deciding on a breed, do research on the type of dog you are considering
and choose the one whose personality will best suit your ENTIRE
family lifestyle.
Consider a mix of that breed as well. Very often a purebred dog
might be too specific and if you can find a mix of one of the breeds
you like you may get the best of both!
Rescue Groups
Did you know that there are organizations that "rescue"
specific breeds of dogs? Most do not have a facility that you can
visit; the dogs live in foster homes until a new family is found
for them. From Retrievers to Chihuahuas you can find just about
any breed that interests you, along with helpful advice from people
who are passionate and informed about the breed well.
Our tip for you is this: If
you don't find the dog of your dreams in a local adoption center,
consider a rescue group as an alternative.
Choosing a breeder
When choosing a breeder, use caution! The breeder you choose should
have high standards for their animals and for their prospective
buyers. Some things you should look for:
- Has the breeder provided vaccination and health certificates?
It's the law!
- Can you meet the animal's parents?
- Do the puppies stay with the Mom's until they are at least eight
weeks old?
- Has the breeder provided information about the breed and helped
you choose the pet?
- Does the breeder focus on one or two breeds rather than a dozen
or so?
- How long has the breeder been breeding?
- Can you get a veterinary reference for that breeder?
Our tip for you is this: If
the answer to any of these questions is "no," find another
breeder! While there are responsible breeders out there, there are
still breeders of questionable character, breeding only for profit.
It is up to you to choose one who is committed to the quality and
temperament of the animals he or she is breeding.
A good breeder will:
- Stop breeding a dog if the puppies continue to have behavior
and medical problems.
- Allow you to meet the parents and see their facility or home.
- Have vaccinations, worming and health certificates for every
single puppy.
- Focus on one breed of dog and manage what they have well, in
a clean and healthy environment.
Tips on choosing a puppy or kitten
- Both puppies and kittens should happily accept attention from
you and your kids. A little fear is typical, but if the animal
has been handled and exposed to people on a regular basis it should
eagerly accept your touch and attentions.
- Any puppy that is excessively fearful, even after proper socialization
by the breeder, may do best in a quieter household and not one
with kids. A puppy or kitten that is overly verbose, nippy or
pushy may not be suitable for a family with smaller kids. These
puppies and kittens can be quite confident and independent which
can make too feisty for small kids and harder to train.
- Your best bet is to find an animal that is somewhere in-between;
nice, happy, and confident but still needs attention from you.
With the proper training, socialization, and a full lifestyle
any puppy and kitten can grow into an easily managed and well-rounded
adult.
Ready to adopt?
If you're ready to adopt, you can download an adoption form right
now. Bring it with you to the NHSPCA and an adoption counselor will
help you find the perfect new friend for your home.
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