I grew up on a farm, so I had a bevy of pets from dogs and cats to ducks, rabbits and horses. When my children went to grandma’s house and saw the menagerie,
there came the inevitable “Mom, can we get a dog?” An idea reinforced by grandma…thanks mom.
When kids start asking about pets, parents can be easily swayed by a kitten’s cuteness factor, child’s puppy dog eyes, or their own yearning for a faithful companion. There are many things to consider before making that pet decision.
Can you afford it?
A pet has an initial cost for purchase, as well as follow-up veterinary visits and inoculations. They also require special food and shouldn’t have table scraps. A purebred puppy can cost thousands of dollars depending on the breed, but a shelter dog will cost only a few hundred, including shots. Often, you’re required to get them spayed or neutered to control the pet population. Also, if you rent your home, then you may also be required to provide an additional deposit or increased monthly rent.
What type of pet do you want?
While a person’s thoughts immediately go to a dog or a cat for a pet, there are much smaller and animals available. Mice and hamsters require very little room and live in cages instead of roaming free. Their cages need to be cleaned regularly, but upkeep is easy and inexpensive compared to a dog or cat. Larger pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits require more room and one-on-one attention, but can be played with outside of their cages (with less concern of losing them).
Can you take care of it?
The world is a busy place. Parents work long hours and are involved in outside projects. Kids go to school, play sports, join clubs and hang out with their friends. Is there time in your life for a pet? Your family needs to take the time to play with your pet, feed and water it daily, provide exercise opportunities and keep it up to date on its shots. If you want this to be a learning experience for your children, make sure they keep up their end of the bargain. The last thing any parent wants to do, is go for an early morning car ride to find a new “Jimmy the Goldfish.”
Choosing whether to get a pet and when is a personal family decision. My husband and I grew up with pets, so we folded pretty fast. There were times when I wished things were a little simpler, but we love our pets and can’t imagine life without them. They’re a lot of work and can be aggravating at times, but for us, it was the right decision.
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