To Buy or Not to Buy? Questions to ask before purchasing your new pet.

1. Where should I obtain a pet? Pet shops are usually the first place you may think of These are very convenient and will also have products to sell They serve as a middleman from the breeder therefore a higher price will be paid Little knowledge can be obtained about the history of the pet

Breeders Success depends on their reputation Saves money by cutting out middleman Most often you can observe the parents

Animal and Humane Shelters Most animals end up here Make excellent pets if given the opportunity Cost much less than breeders and pet shops Usually just enough to cover expenses May include spaying or neutering No information will be available

2. How much space do I have for a Pet? A small one room apartment is not good for a large active animal Rural areas are best for large active pets Know the space requirements of each animal before purchasing Cats- small apartment Dogs- rural farm areas

3. What kind of animal does my lifestyle allow? Each animal requires different space time and care Dogs need daily exercise and grooming Longhaired dogs need more grooming A lab needs more exercise Cats require less time and care Hamsters or gerbils require little to no attention at all if food and water is available

4. How much will the animal cost? Many people do not look past the initial cost When small puppies and kittens do not cost much Adult food may cost $25-$40/month In addition to feeding toys, grooming, vet bills Some cities and counties have taxes on animals Some people also insure their animals for sickness and theft

5. What will the future bring? PLAN AHEAD!!!! Will I still want this cuddly pet when it is big Will my job provide enough for my pet Was this for my children and will they be around Can the child take the animal to college

6. Does everyone in the family want the pet? Everyone should agree to get the animal Everyone also must agree to share the responsibilities Never give a family pet as a gift or surprise Allergies to certain pets hair or dust

7. What kind of personality do I have? The pet must go along with your personality Once again be aware of the species and breed of animal you choose Dogs- active Cats- mostly inactive Birds, iguanas, hamsters, etc.- inactive

8. Is this animal a fad or status symbol? Everyone has a wrinkled puppy. Coach Hagy has a Dalmatian I should have one. These scenarios often lead to unwanted or abandoned animals.

8. Is this animal a fad or status symbol? Example: Shar-Pei In the 1960s these dogs were brought to the US. Offspring sold for $10,000. Sloppy breeding led to skin disorders, bad hips, foul temper, and eye problems called entropion.

8. Everyone else has one!! Entropion is a condition of the eye where the eye-lid rolls toward the eye, rubs against the cornea and causes irritation. Watery eyes, infection, and ulcers occur. This is believed to be highly hereditary so these animals should not be bred.

Hagy’s Dalmatian Yet another example is the Dalmatian. After Disney released the movie 101 Dalmatians in 1984, the registration of this breed went from 35th to 9th in It is currently 30th. Most of the dogs purchased during this time were abandoned, put in animal shelters, or euthanized.

What to do with the fad pet? 1. Don’t get one 2. If you do get caught up in a fad try to find someone to take the once cute little animal. 3. Some organizations may take them. 4. DO NOT just drop them off somewhere!!!!!!

9. What am I going to use the animal for? Dogs used for a specific purpose (hunting) should be purchased from a well known and respected breeder to ensure it serves the purpose. However, be sure of the animal’s pedigree before taking it home.

AND FINALLY! REMEMBER, THE DOG, CAT OR OTHER ANIMAL DIDN’T ASK TO GO HOME WITH YOU. YOU WANTED IT SO YOU MUST TAKE CARE OF IT. DO NOT MISTREAT THE ANIMAL JUST BECAUSE YOU DON’T WANT IT ANYMORE.

THE END! JUST A REMINDER: IF YOU ARE NOT BUYING YOUR ANIMAL FOR BREEDING PURPOSES, HELP CONTROL THE PET POPULATION. HAVE YOUR PET SPAYED OR NEUTERED. Bob Barker