1. Chapter 3 Small Animals as Pets

2. What to look for: Questions when buying a pet Comparing available pet options Responsible pet ownership Lessons learned from pets Benefits of pets to elderly Euthanasia

3. Terms Allergies ▫A hypersensitivity to animal hair, dust and other allergens Euthanasia ▫To induce the death of an animal quickly and painlessly Entropion ▫A condition in which the eyeball sinks into its socket or in which there is a spasm of the eyelid due to discomfort. A congenital defect or the result of injury

4. Terms Neutered ▫A castrated animal (prevents reproduction) Spayed ▫A female animal that has had her ovaries removed by surgical procedure to prevent her from reproducing

5. Choosing A Pet 10,000 years of animal domestication Cats taking over as “man’s best friend” Pre-WWII ▫Space and poverty limited ownership Post-WWII ▫What changed?  Fewer children/stayed single  “Empty Nest” syndrome  Companionship

7. But they’re so cute!! Millions of animals are abandoned each year… ▫L▫Lose they’re cuteness ▫C▫Cost too much ▫T▫Take too much time ▫U▫Uncontrolled breeding

8. Things to think about: 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 animals a fad or a status symbol? What am I going to use the animal for?

9. Where should I obtain a pet? Pet shop Purebred breeders Breeders Shelters Friends Neighbors

10. How much space do I have for a pet? Apartment Rural area Near parks House Depends on the pet

11. How does my lifestyle fit in? Space Time Care Exercise? Grooming? Entertainment? Travel Money Family

12. How much will the animal cost? Food ▫Cats & Dogs-- $16-40 Toys Grooming Vet Bills Animal Tax Insurance ▫$100-400 Deposit

13. What will the future bring? Will you want it when it matures? Continued affordability For parents or kids? Can it go with you if you move?

14. Does everyone in the family want a pet? Share responsibility Surprise!! Allergies Care ability Other pets

15. What kind of personality do I have? Dogs vary greatly ▫Docile ▫Active ▫Playful Cats are less active Caged animals ▫Hamsters ▫Snakes ▫Turtles Match your personality type with the pet you choose!

16. Fad or status symbol? Examples: ▫Shar-Pei ▫Dalmations