Tips on choosing a pet

By Susan Carney

There is nothing more exciting than the prospect of adding a new pet to your family. Often the decision to add a new pet to the family is well thought out and planned, but in many cases it is not. Parents, pressured by their kids, rush to find just any puppy or kitten to appease them. If you are thinking about getting a new pet, please review the tips below to help you make the right decision. And most of all, take is slow! You will have this new friend for a long time and it's more important to make the right decision rather than meet some deadline.

Everyone loves a puppy or kitten
Puppies and kittens are so cute and so willing to please and it may seem easier to start fresh with a new pet that you know you will have for at least 10 years and can train to be what ever you want. But the fact of the matter is that most of us do not train enough and truly do not have time to raise a new baby. Times have changed, most of us are part of a double-income family, and no one is home to watch the kids, let alone a new puppy or kitten.

Our tip for you is this: Just be sure to think it through! Be realistic and don't kid yourself into thinking any animal can be alone for more than six hours at a time and have a decent life. Dogs need physical and mental activity, and even though they require 12 - 16 hours of sleep a day, you still need to give them quality time, including participating in activities planned for your whole family. And of course don't forget that adoption centers near you have all kinds of pets, young and old, that may actually fit better into your busy lifestyle.

Consider alternatives to pet stores
Animal shelters across the nation (including the NHSPCA) take in thousands of animals every year. These animals are often NOT problem pets, and many are purebreds. In most cases, the previous owners have simply made a choice at the wrong time. They may be going through a divorce or experiencing financial difficulties. Some animals come to the Adoption Center because their owners have died. These dogs are trained, social, and make great additions to loving families. And that's not even mentioning the ones that may have a few problems. More often than not they simply need training, structure and some good love and they too can be the pet of your dreams!

Rescue groups
Did you know that there are organizations out there that "rescue" a specific breed of dog? Most do not have a facility that you can visit; homeless dogs live in "foster homes" and are placed from there. From Retrievers to Chihuahuas you can find almost any breed that interests you--plus you can get loads of advise and help with your decision from people who will be honest about the breed--both the pros and cons.

Do your homework
When deciding on a breed of dog, whether a purebred or a mix, be sure to ask the professionals. Yes, your friends that have had a dog can tell you about their experiences; however all dogs have their good and bad traits and your friends' experience with a golden retriever (for example) may be very different from your own. Dogs are individuals, and personality traits not only differ from breed to breed but within a litter of pups as well.

So you have decided to go with a breeder
It is not a sin to go to a breeder, so don't panic. No one here at the NHSPCA or any other adoption center will think you a horrible person! But be aware that there is still an overpopulation problem and many great pets await homes in shelters all over NH and New England.

Some breeders are of questionable character, breeding only for profit, so be careful to choose one who is responsible and committed to the quality and temperament of the animals she or he is breeding. The breeder you choose should have high standards for the animals,--and for prospective buyers, too. Some things to look for:

Are the animals spayed or neutered?
Can you meet both the animal's parents?
Has the breeder provided information about the breed and helped you choose the pet?
Do the puppies stay with their mom until they are at lease eight weeks old? (NH law requires this.)

If you are not allowed to meet the parents, allowed to choose your own puppy or kitten or the environment is questionable in any way, FIND ANOTHER BREEDER!

What to look for in a puppy or kitten
Both puppies and kittens should accept attention readily from you and your kids. A little bit of fear when being picked up is typical, but if the animal has been handled and exposed to people on a regular basis it should eagerly accept attention.

Likewise, any pup or kitten that is excessively grabby or fearful of handling, even after proper socialization (by the breeder) may be too fearful for small kids and best with a quieter household. Any pup or kitten that is overly verbose, or nippy and pushy may also not be suitable for a family with smaller kids (less than six years of age). These pups and kittens can be too confident, less needy and harder to train.

Your best bet is to find a nice, happy, slightly-confident-but-still-in-need-of-attention-from-you pup or kitten. With training, socializing and a full lifestyle any pup or kitten can grow into an easily managed well-rounded adult.

Check out these web sites and make adoption your first option
www.Petfinders.com
www.nhspca.org
www.uvhs.org
www.hsfn.org
www.kittyangels.org
www.greycanine.com
www.aspca.org

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