S.M.A.R.T. Adoption Tips

Deciding to Get a Pet

Before deciding on which particular breed of dog or cat to purchase, all potential pet owners need to be sure they are really ready for a pet in their household, by asking questions such as whether their current lifestyle will accommodate a pet.

Deciding whether or not to purchase a pet is a very important decision and one that should not be made lightly, and certainly not just on a whim.

The average lifespan of a small dog is 11 years and of a cat, 12 years. This means pet owners need to be prepared to dedicate this many years (maybe even more) to properly looking after their pet.

If you are part of a family, the decision to get a pet should be a combined one, as all family members will come into contact with the pet, and should be involved in looking after it.

Important things to consider before deciding to own a pet

Are you prepared to care for a dog/cat for over 10 years?
Can you afford to own a pet with costs such as registration, vaccination, vet bills, food, grooming, desexing and boarding?
Do you have time to care for a pet? eg: exercise, grooming, obedience and play
Who will look after your pet when you're away?
Do you live in a suitable location for a pet? eg: away from main roads
Do you have adequate space for the pet you are considering?

What hours do you work, and will the pet have any company during the day?
If renting accommodation, are you permitted own a pet?
If buying a puppy/kitten, can you provide care during the day and meals at regular intervals until it is six months of age?
Can you confine your pet in suitable accommodation for the first three weeks?
Does a pet fit in with your lifestyle, activities, sporting pursuits and priorities?
Are you prepared to confine your pet inside at night (in the house or shed/garage)

Choosing the Right Breed

If you can properly look after a pet, you need to carefully research and consider which breed of dog or cat will suit your lifestyle and surroundings.

Avoid choosing a breed just because it is popular or fashionable - this can lead to unhappy outcomes for both the pet and the owner.

Don't buy a working dog (eg: kelpie or cattledog) if you live in the city unless you are prepared to give it plenty of daily exercise, and remember that puppies which look adorable in a pet shop window could grow up to be big dogs that need a lot of exercise, food and space.

Read up on the type of pet you are considering via the internet or library. Contact dog and cat associations (eg: Victorian Canine Association or Feline Control Council) who can put you in touch with breed clubs who can provide information on particular breeds.

Contact dog obedience clubs, local vets and speak to people you know or meet who own the particular breed you are considering.

Take into account factors like the size of your yard, the amount of exercise you can give a dog, or the type of nature you want in a cat to help determine the exact breed that is suitable for you.

Remember, thinking before adopting will save the animal from being returned to S.M.A.R.T. and will offer the pet and family a long and satisfying life together.

For more information please phone us on (02) 6949 1491 or email us at info@snowymtnsanimalrescue.org.

Information above comes from the following website: www.pets.info.vic.gov.au/community/petowner_choosing.htm.