Picking the perfect pet for your family

Picking the perfect pet for your family can be tough, with so many breeds, personality considerations and physical attributes to weigh-up; it can turn what should be an exciting experience into a stressful choice. To help families make the best decision, celebrity animal behaviourist Jo Righetti has compiled some top tips.

Time – Animals thrive off touch and interaction, so you should ask how much time you and your family can devote to a new pet. One of the most time-consuming pets is generally a puppy, so if you all work long hours or are gone for most of the day, a young dog might not be the best choice for you. Cats tend to be more self-sufficient, but will enjoy some time for cuddles when you’re home.

Energy – Choose a pet that matches your energy levels – if you’re fit, active and have a young family, go for a  more active breed of dog. If you prefer to lounge around, then opt for a cat or an older pet that doesn’t require as much exercise. Don’t assume that an energetic pet will change to suit your couch potato habits!

Finances – Before you purchase a pet, assess whether you can afford one. Think about all the costs after the initial purchase – can you meet the expenses of council registration, vet bills, holiday care and day to day items such as food, flea and parasite prevention, pet insurance, training, bedding , grooming and a strong collar and lead?

Space – The type of space is actually more important than amount of space. The quality of interaction with you is more important to your pet than the size of your garden. Dogs can live in smaller spaces, provided they get adequate exercise, stimulation and interaction.

Experience – Everyone has to start somewhere but some animals are better for new pet owners than others. Test drive a friend’s pet to see if their particular species and breed matches your expectations and lifestyle. Do your research – read books, look at websites and ask experts about the pet you are considering. If you are thinking about adopting from a shelter, get to know your potential new family member by asking about their history and behaviour.

Family members – Your first choice of pet may not suit everyone in your family. Be prepared to compromise before making the purchase and make sure every person in the family has a say – that way chores, feeding and exercising your new pet can be delegated fairly.

Current pets – consider any other pets you have and how they might welcome an additional family member. Speak to an expert about how to introduce them slowly and properly and supervise the relationship especially at the beginning, especially if they are different species, there is a size difference or one animal is considerably older. Most introductions will be successful, but be realistic – relationships take time and effort and you will need to be careful and patient.
Stage of life – does a pet fit your lifestyle? Are you home every day? Do your grandchildren visit often and/or a full time job? Are you wanting to travel extensively overseas? Are you elderly and need to consider your pet in your will? Before you think about a pet, think about yourself and whether an animal will suit you and your stage of life.
When you are ready to move to the next stage of pet ownership, make sure you chat to your local AWLA shelter. AWLA has partnered with Purina to make sure any pets adopted out from AWLA are desexed, micro-chipped, health checked and are trained and given a nutritionally based diet.

For more information, visit www.purina.com.au

image: BeverlyLR