1. Small Animal Management

2. List the questions a person should ask before buying a pet Compare the different options available for obtaining a pet Describe what is meant by responsible pet ownership List the important lessons children can learn from pets Describe the benefits pets can have for the elderly Define euthanasia Describe the importance of euthanasia to a pet owner

3. Begins with millions of unwanted cats and dogs Result in the following factors: 15 million healthy cats and dogs are euthanized each year In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.

4. Include biological characteristics such as: earlier puberty shorter pregnancies multiple births Result from neglectful owners

5. Include the following: owners move landlord does not allow pets too many pets in the household lack of finances for proper pet maintenance inadequate facilities for pets

6. When selecting a pet consider the following questions before making your purchase: Where should I obtain a pet? How much space do I have for a pet? What kind of animal does my lifestyle allow? How much will the animal cost? What will the future bring? Does everyone in the family want a pet? What kind of personality do I have? Is this animal a fad or status symbol? What am I going to use the animal for?

8. Conveniently located centers where consumers can purchase pets and pet products Serve as the “middle man” between breeders and consumers Make a profit on the difference between the buying price and the selling price of the animal Animals may come from anywhere in the country Consumers have little knowledge of Where the animal comes from The condition it was raised or shipped Pedigree

9. Usually are in business for the long haul….their success depends on their reputation If they produce animals with inherited defects or are ill-mannered, their business suffers Most breeders guarantee satisfaction and are willing to work with a customer Will save you $$$ by eliminating the “middle man” from the purchase Can observe the environment and parents of your potential pet

10. Where most abandoned animals end up…many would make excellent pets if given the opportunity Get a wonderful pet and save an animal’s life A good route if you don’t care about purebred vs. mixed breed Cost is much less than a pet shop or breeder Shelters usually charge only enough to cover expenses May be a charge to have the animal spayed or neutered which is required by most shelters

11. Easiest & cheapest source to get a pet…and least desirable How much does your friend really know about breeding animals? Often looking to give away puppies/kittens because their dog/cat got pregnant You really don’t know what you’re getting

13. Be familiar with the activity requirements of your potential pet before purchase A one room apartment doesn’t allow much space for active animals

15. What do you do everyday Do you like rollerblading, riding your bike? Do you like to watch movies or play video games? Do you have a part-time job or involved in lots of activities? These are questions to ask in picking the right pet Pets end up in shelters because they no longer fit into their owner’s lifestyle If you’re an inactive person, a Dalmatian is probably not the best option for you…a hamster may be more your style ☺

17. Many people don’t look past the initial purchase price of their pet Think about expenses for Food Grooming Toys Boarding Veterinary bills

19. A person should plan ahead… Will that cute, cuddly animal still be wanted when it matures? Will the family continue to be able to afford a pet? Will you be around to care for a pet or will Mom and Dad have to do it? Can you take it to college when its time for you to leave?

21. A pet should not be brought into a family unless every member agrees to it …and is willing to share in the responsibility of the animal’s care An animal as a gift or surprise may become unwanted Another factor is allergies Allergies to certain animals or animal hair are common Determine if any family member is allergic to a specific animal before purchase

23. Animals have personalities just like people…choose a pet that compliments your personality Dogs vary greatly in personality Personality traits are characteristics of the breed; be familiar with the breed you intend to buy Cats can vary as well Some are very human-centered, but most like independence

24. Pocket pets are small animals usually kept in aquariums or cages Great for people who want more control over when & how long they interact with a pet

26. This consideration is important based on the type of pet you want Especially important when choosing dogs Do you want one to assist in a specific hobby or sport? There are specific breeds for the job you want to accomplish Examine your puppy’s pedigree—the family history of the pup and any titles ancestors have earned

28. Can be learned from taking care of a pet Can develop self-esteem and self-worth By caring for an animal children learn to be competent individuals

29. A pet will always accept children Provide them with a sense of being loved & wanted Children will develop a stronger sense of responsibility by learning to understand a pet’s body language, emotions & needs The skills will become important as children grow into adults Can be carried over into caring for children, the elderly, or disabled

30. Can develop with daily caring of a pet Children will be able to recognize if their pet is ill, depressed, or annoyed Children can transfer these considerations to other areas Learn to appreciate the effect of his/her actions on others

31. “ In early childhood pets provide a connection to the natural world and are instrumental in teaching respect for other living things. For older children, the responsibility of a pet may be instrumental in developing self- esteem, self-confidence, and independence.”

33. Pets are important to helping us live longer, happier lives Can help people recover from heart attacks & seriousness illnesses or lower blood pressure The elderly may benefit the most Gives them something to feel responsible for Can have a beneficial impact on the disabled Dogs can be trained to perform numerous tasks Contribute to self-esteem & psychological well-being

34. “ Pets help keep us young: they decrease loneliness, and they give us the opportunity to be needed. Pets also offer healthier lifestyle by stimulating us to exercise while we take car of them”

36. To induce a quick and humane death by a veterinarian The best thing for a pet that is severely sick or injured May be the most difficult decision to you will ever make regarding your pet Consider what is the best for your pet, you, and your family Every living thing deserves quality of life

37. Accomplished with an injection of a tranquilizer that stops nerve transmission & causes muscle relaxation Vet may administer something to calm and relax your pet Usually injected into a vein in the foreleg 6-12 seconds after injection, the animal will lapse into a deep unconsciousness Death comes quickly and painlessly

39. Each year approximately 27 millions dogs & cats are born in the US…50 million are euthanized as unwanted or abandoned Overpopulation is a result of Unplanned mating Mating for commercial purposes Parents who want their children to experience “the miracle of childbirth ”

40. To solve overpopulation the number of puppies & kittens born must be reduced To accomplish this, 3 events must occur: People must be educated about the problem Animal control laws must be passed and existing laws enforced People must recognize the importance of spaying and neutering

41. Responsibility has fallen to the animal shelters to eliminate the problem with euthanasia Adults & children need to be educated and take responsibility by controlling the breeding of their animals Licensing of animals, leash laws, and other animal controls need to be enforced Spaying & Neutering should performed

42. Surgical procedure in which the ovaries & uterus are removed on a female Prevents the female from coming in heat & from becoming pregnant Recommended before the female’s first estrus cycle…can be done as early as 8 weeks of age Also makes females less susceptible to mammary cancers & uterine infections

43. Surgical procedure in which the testicles are removed from the male Prevents the male from producing sperm & impregnating a female Eliminates testicular tumors & reduces risk for prostate disorders Also removes motivation to roam & “mark their territory” Reduce “mounting” behavior