Are You Ready To Be A Responsible Pet Owner?

Avalon (70978)

You've heard me talk about responsible pet ownership throughout my blog so far.  I'm bringing them to the forefront today because we really want these animals to go to a good forever home.  It breaks our hearts when these pets have to come back.

Let's start with the basics.  Before you get to the Shelter.  You (and/or your children, as in my case) are at home and just "dying" to have a puppy or a kitten because they are so cute.  First fact:  puppies and kittens grow up.  They will look nothing like what you fell in love with at the Shelter.  There is no telling what they will look like or how big they will get for sure.  Your desire is still there because surely you have ample love to go around.  What all is involved with pet ownership and do you have what it takes?  In a nutshell:  food, water, potty breaks, exercise, vet visits, love, and attention.

The obvious things are collar, leash, food, and treats.  The cost of these run any where from basic (cheap) to extravagant (expensive) depending on your disposable income and desires.  You will need a cat carrier (the shelter provides a cardboard carrier at the time of adoption) and litter box with litter for cats.  Food requires bowls, but you can use your own dishes or you can buy specific dishes for the pet.  Some dogs (cats too) would prefer to have their own beds.  You can go to Goodwill or some other inexpensive re-use store and purchase a good blanket or comforter for a couple of dollars or you can go all out and buy an expensive bed specific to your pet's needs.  Other pets will be happy sharing your bed with you. 

Some people buy their pets coats for rain and winter.  This is not a necessity, but some animals do appreciate it.  Some owners even go so far as to buy costumes for their pets for various holidays.  Again, not a necessity to be a responsible pet owner.  There are so many more purchases companies would like you to make for your pet, but these are extras.  They are not the basics that are required to be a responsible pet owner.

Older dogs usually come potty trained.  Puppies never do.  Like toddlers, puppies require potty training.  Some people crate train. Some people wing it and think that it's okay if the dog soils the carpet because he or she didn't know better.  Some people use puppy pads.  You have to decide what's right for you because like it or not, the puppy will have to relieve itself at some point.  Sometimes it's just a matter of marking territory. 

I have no clue how to train a cat to use the litter box or if you even need to.  I've had four cats in my life and adopted them all past the age of six months.  They already knew how to use the litter box.  I needed to put it out and show them where it was.  The rest came naturally.  This may be different with the youngest kittens.  The best thing to do is ask your vet for tips.  Some cats prefer to go outside to relieve themselves.

 Dogs need walks daily, sometimes as many as four or more times.  My greyhound requires three walks a day, a few breaks outside in between, and a good run at least once a week.  Know what the requirements are for the animal and know that you will be able to meet them.  If you can't, it will not be a good match.  Trouble will brew. Cats don't need much time.  They are usually very independent.

Do you have time for a pet? If you travel a lot, dog ownership should not be a consideration.  If you travel some and are willing to pay to board or hire a pet-sitter, dogs are a good choice.  Sometimes you can take dogs on vacation with you.  Look into hotels/motels that allow pets when making travel arrangements.

Puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats all need wellness-visits.  This requires regular checkups with your veterinarian.  You should have a vet lined up before you make the trip to the Shelter.  Get to know the vet and make sure he or she is someone you respect and who you can develop a good rapor with.  You will be spending many years with them taking care of your pet.  Vet visits are not free.  Neither is medicine or surgery.  Do you have the income to provide for this necessity?  Also plan on a few emergency visits.  Pets have a way of getting into the darnedest things. 

Princess (71734)

Do you have a temperament that can welcome a kitten, puppy, cat, or dog?  I hate to state the obvious, but some people really should not be pet owners.  Owning an animal requires patience.  These pets will make mistakes and those mistakes will irk you.  But you have to be willing to accept that and train with a positive and kind temperament.  Remember to sign up for puppy or dog training classes.  It's an investment that will last a lifetime and it will help with the positive bonding of you and your dog.

Dogs get lonely and have a tendency to panic when you leave them alone.  Make sure you leave them with their own "lovey" or "pacie."  Something with your smell on it, preferably.  This doesn't guarantee they won't go looking for something to destroy, but it could decrease the occurrences.

Chief Finn (71816)

Know that puppies chew.  Everything in sight, they're not particular.  The point is teething hurts and they need something to chew.  Again, no different than a baby.  Provide your puppy with ample chewable toys that will not hurt him or her and everyone will be happy.  Put away and lock up anything you do not want destroyed.  I know of a dog who has chewed a couch and a mattress because there were no toys available to her liking.  Lucky for her, she was adopted by a couple who had patience for such behavior.  Older dogs chew too.  Make sure they have good choices to satisfy their chewing needs as well.

Kittens chew too.  Again, it's that teething process.  Kittens will prefer to chew on their owner's arms.  A simple "Ahh" shriek should stop them, or at least start to teach them that chewing on people is not good.  Kittens and cats like to dig with their claws too.  Don't panic, just shriek.  It will lessen over time.  My ten-year old cat still mistakes me for a tree at times.  He doesn't mean to hurt me, he just needs to release some energy.  Getting a good scratching pad helps to reduce the occurrences too.

Cookie (71701)

Know that if you take a cat home and let it out at all, chances are good he or she will become a hunter.  Like it or not.  Raleigh, my cat, has brought home a few gifts to show me he loves me and is so thankful that I love him too.  These gifts are not to my liking so I don't let Raleigh in until he has removed the gift.  I reward him with more love and petting.  I love to hear him purr.  I specifically do not have a cat door because I have no desire to have the gifts in the house.  Some people don't mind the gifts and have a cat door.  If you don't want the gifts, get a kitten and keep it indoors.  Cats live much longer when they live indoors.  Some cats just need time outside.  I had two cats that were indoor cats but I would let outside on occasion.  They stayed on the deck.

Puffy Doodle (70082)

BobbyBeans (71665)

Are you a Cat Person or a Dog Person?  Do you travel a lot?  Do you mind neediness or do you prefer aloof-ness?  I liken cats to adults and dogs to children as far as neediness goes.  Children require constant attention and direction, as do dogs.  Adults come and go as they please, as do cats. In dogs and cats alike, different breeds have different requirements. 

When you have decided you are ready to be a responsible pet owner, you may want to research which type of animal would best fit your living situation.  It will be rare that you find a specific cat breed at the shelter.  While many of the dogs that show up at the shelter are mutts (mixed breeds), some show more qualities of one breed over another in their mix, and some are purebred (most likely without their AKC papers).  There are small lap dogs, large active dogs, large couch potato dogs, and small hyper-active dogs.  Do you have children or other pets at home.  It's important to know how your new pet will get along with what you already have in the house.  Sometimes it means you actually have to take the pet home for a visit to see if there is comradeship or animosity.  When I was living on my own, I had my first cat and thought she would like a brother or sister.  I went to the ASPCA to find one and was called in by the sweetest kitten.  I brought that kitten home and my cat had a hissy fit.  It was a sad night for me.  Clearly I could not keep this kitten and had to take him back.  A year later, I tried again.  This time I had a backup for the kitten in case it did not work.  My established cat and the new kitten got along "purfectly."  Sometimes it's a matter of you just don't know until you try it. 

I researched dog breeds before I rescued the greyhound.  I had two young children and a cat that was (and still is) king of the house.  The dog I brought home needed to fit in with that.  I didn't have time to potty train, I knew I needed something older, preferably past the puppy stage.  When I came across the greyhounds, I knew I found a perfect fit for my family.  I took my time researching rescue centers.  I found one I liked and sent in my application before we went.  I took my children with me but not the cat.  We visited with several greyhounds that would meet my requirements.  Two fit my family perfectly.  We chose Phoenix over Bear because of size.  My kids could handle Phoenix, who is quite muscular, but not Bear, who was even more muscular.  Only I was able to handle Bear.  And that's how it works.  That's how you find a pet that's the right size for you.  The people at the rescue center told me how to create a positive bond between the dog and the cat and I haven't had a problem.  The two get along better than by two children do at times!

Now you're ready for your trip to the Shelter.  Be forewarned, all the animals will pull at your heartstrings.  And no, you can't take all of them home.  It's too much for one person to handle.  Sometimes that's how the animals make their way to the shelter.  Someone thought they could handle so many animals at one time.  Find a few that meet your requirements and pull your heartstrings the strongest.  Ignore the age unless it's important you have an older animal.  Only choose a puppy if you really have the time to work with the puppy.  Remember, that takes a lot of time and effort and patience.  Get in the kennel with the animal and bond.  Don't force it, but recognize it may take a little while for the animal to warm up to you.  Some of these animals are very shy, while others will beg for attention.  Some may not want anything to do with you and that's okay.  That is not the animal for you.  It's just like falling in love because that's what it is; you'll know when you find the one that's right for you.

It's okay if you don't find what you're looking for on first trip.  You are welcome to come back as often as you like.  Every day if you think it would help.  If you're looking for a specific breed, talk to the staff, they may have waiting lists started.

When you've found that perfect pet for you, you are ready to take him or her home and start being a responsible pet owner.  Here's to many years of happiness between you and your forever pet.  Pets really do become part of your family.  Don't forget to make that first appointment with your Vet.