Decision-making time. Time to choose a pet that's the right pet for you and your circumstances.
The things you need to take into consideration are...
So let’s move on and get personal.
Pet Statistic No 1:
Time to talk money. The initial outlay for some pets is the major expense and thereafter they are relatively inexpensive to maintain, while others such as dogs and cats initially do not cost as much but their upkeep is more costly.
One major cost factor to take into account when you choose a pet is vet bills. I have two mutts. One is a Yorkie (we think) who has never been to the vet and he is 11 years old. The other is only 4 years old and has spent many days in the clinic with bills totalling up to approx $1000. He is now on a specialised diet for his condition and that is a major monthly expense.
Mind you, he is worth every penny I have outlaid on him and we have to guard him carefully. Every visitor to our home is totally captivated by his charm.
Below is a rough estimate of minimum initial expenses. This list does not include the cost of the pet itself, or their monthly upkeep, only the paraphernalia that they each require.
Statistic No 2:
Now obviously I don’t mean the universe and stars, I mean where you live. A major factor to take into account when choosing a pet is neighbours and landlords.
That nice little old lady living next to you may turn into the wicked witch of the west if you bring home a dog that barks. Just in case you are wondering some dogs will just bark, at nothing, I am sure there is nothing because I have checked several times.
Pet Statistic No 3:
All pets require care of some sort, whether it be cleaning out their housing or exercising.
Do not be fooled by children who say they will look after the prospective bundle, they are hoodwinking you. The person who will be responsible is YOU. Remember that, so take into account the pet statistics outlined below and how much time you have available before you choose a pet.
I know this is all starting to put you off but remember that all pets have great benefits especially if you choose wisely.
Pet Statistic No 4:
No I don’t mean yours I mean that of your pets. This is one of the most important pet statistics on the list especially when you choose a pet for your little monsters. They will hopefully be leaving home sometime in the future and guess who will be left to look after the pet. Yep YOU.
We do not want to outlive our pets but the sad fact is a lot of the pets that end up in rescue shelters are there because their owners have passed away and there is no-one able to care for them. So please think carefully when looking at these pet statistics, if you are in doubt maybe consider fostering a pet instead.
Statistic No 5:
The unfortunate fact of the matter is that any animal except maybe fish (unless you intend eating them) can trigger an allergy.
My recommendation is, visit the prospective pet and play a while, see what happens. If you react come back here and start again. We don't mind we love having you.
The last thing you want to do is choose a pet only to find that you have to re-home it because of pet allergies.
Bunnies can normally be kept by people with mild allergies, and I have read somewhere that Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles have the closest hair type to humans so they are less likely to aggravate allergies.
Pet Statistic No 6:
If you are OCD about your home be very careful which pet you choose.
So now you know what pet statistics you have to take into consideration when choosing a pet. Make sure you choose a pet that fits perfectly into your lifestyle and it will entertain and delight you for many years.
Next step in the process is where do you find a pet.
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