1. GET READY, SET, PET Created By: Maia and Sophia

2. THINK ABOUT THIS Dog, Fish, Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Cat, Bird, Hamster  Which of these pets do you think is the most common in the United States? Why?  What about the least?

3. NUMBER OF PETS IN THE US (IN 2007)

4. THINK ABOUT THIS  Which pets do you think are considered exotic animals? Why?

5. EXOTIC ANIMALS These pets are considered exotic:  Birds  Guinea Pigs  Hamsters  Gerbils  Rats  Mice  Chinchillas  Ferrets  Rabbits  Iguanas  Frogs  Snakes  Turtles  Hermit Crabs  Tarantulas

6. BELIEVE IT OR NOT Owning a pet is a big responsibility and commitment. Work must be done before you can welcome a pet into your home. We have created a process called the FRIEND method that will guide you in determining if you are suited for a pet, choosing the best match, and preparing you, your family, and your home.

7. THE FRIEND METHOD Figure out your family’s willingness to commit to a pet Research several animals’ pet care and responsibilities Identify which pet is your best match Evaluate and make necessary modifications to your home Needs – supplies, food, and toys Distribute care tasks appropriately between family members

8. FIGURE OUT Owning a pet is a family decision. You will be able to find a pet that matches your lifestyle if you are willing to:  Spend time being with and caring for your pet  Spend money on your pet

9. RESEARCH When researching, you should:  Use reliable resources  Research 2 pets minimum  Write down information such as cost, training, space required, etc.

10. IDENTIFY Keep these things in mind when choosing your pet:  Budget  Time  Allergies  Space  Other Pets

11. EXOTIC ANIMALS Exotic animals come with additional responsibilities such as:  Going to a vet specialized in exotic veterinary care  Being careful and aware of the supplies you are buying Pay special attention to the ingredients in food and treats.

12. EVALUATE Some pets may require you to make simple modifications to your home such as:  Covering cords for a rabbit  Moving shoes and stuffed animals out of reach for a puppy These precautions are for their safety and your convenience.

13. NEEDS All pets need these supplies:  Food  Toys and Treats  An area to sleep, an area use the bathroom, and enough space to exercise Some pets may require additional care products. Make sure you have the supplies you need before you adopt your pet.

14. INGREDIENT ALERT You should always:  Be aware of the foods harmful to your pet  Resist sharing processed foods with your pet If you are buying food labeled for a number of pets, such as small animals, you should:  Read the ingredient label even if the sub-titles and pictures suggest that the food or treat is healthy

15. DISTRIBUTE Keep these things in mind when distributing pet care tasks:  Age  Amount of Skill  Available Time For example, do not assign pooper- scooper duty to your two year-old sister.

16. QUESTIONS?

17. TIME TO TEST YOUR SMARTS

18. QUESTION #1 How many pets should I research? Writing it down is annoying and takes forever. I can just remember it, right? At least 2. No! Always write it down.

19. QUESTION #2 I’m busy. Can’t I pay someone to train my pet? Yes, but pets require a time commitment. Maybe a fish or hamster would be the best choice for you.

20. QUESTION #3 Look at his puppy-face! He is so adorable. Can’t I give him just one chip? You shouldn’t, it isn’t healthy.

21. QUESTION #4 The label says for all small animals. Can’t I trust it? Sadly, no. You should read the ingredient label just to make sure.

22. QUESTION #5 OMG! Buttercup is sooo cute! Can’t we adopt her today? Pretty please? Sorry, no. You need to prepare your family and home first.

23. BONUS QUESTION Name an exotic pet. Bird, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Gerbil, Rat, Mouse, Chinchilla, Ferret, Rabbit, Iguana, Frog, Snake, Turtle, Hermit Crab, or Tarantula

24. WEBSITE Go to ReadySetPet.weebly.com for:  Access to this PowerPoint  Links to additional resources