Is it Time to Add a Pet to the Family?

Are you thinking of adding a four-legged, furry friend to the family? Adding a new member to the family is fun and exciting but it can also be stressful and disruptive if you are not prepared to take on the responsibility of a family pet. Here are some things to think about before you adopt a pet.

Do your research

Sharon Clay, Curator of Animal Programs at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, CA, says it’s most important to research and “Take into consideration the lifespan of the animal, how large it will be when fully grown and whether there is a veterinarian who will be available when and if your animal needs medical attention.  This is the case with dogs and cats, but especially when considering a less common pet, like a turtle or a bird.  Most large parrots and large tortoises do not make ideal pets for most people and end up in rescues.”

Make sure your kids are comfortable around the pet you are considering

Some kids are naturally afraid of animals and it may cause them to act erratically around the new pet which may upset the animal. While a healthy respect for animals is important, kids should be comfortable around the type of pet you are considering adopting. If your child is fearful, do not force them to interact with the animal. Instead, show them how to properly care for the pet and encourage them to participate as they feel comfortable.

Kids should understand how to care for pets responsibly

Before adopting a new pet, kids should understand how to take care of them responsibly. They should also understand that they must be touched gently and carefully. They should not squeeze, hit, ride on, or drop the animal. Dogs and cats are not toys. If an animal feels threatened or cornered they may growl, hiss, or bite. It is a good idea to explain this to your child and let them know if they are cared for in a loving way, this usually isn’t an issue.

Zelda Higbee, 8, and her cat, Loki. Photo by Amber Thompson

Everyone in the family should be on board with adopting a pet

Adopting a pet is a long term commitment that everyone in the family needs to be on board with. Are the kids responsible enough to take on the tasks of feeding and caring for the pet? If not, is the parent willing to pick up the slack? Do you have proper space for the type of pet you are considering? Is your family home enough to walk and feed a dog? Will the pet get enough attention with your work and activity schedules? Can you afford to care for your pet? Not only will there be an initial adoption cost but there will be food, accessories, vet bills, and boarding costs if you decide to travel. You should also consider if anyone in the family may have allergies, fears, or any other issues that may interfere with being able to commit to caring for an animal for years.

Never surprise someone with a pet as a gift

Sharon Clay says, “Choosing to bring an animal into the home is a very personal one.  Even if you know the person wants a dog or cat, every breed and individual have their own personalities and temperaments so it is important to let them choose their new family member.  If the animal and the intended person are not a fit, in the end it’s the animal who pays the price.”

What animal would be a good fit?

For families who want to adopt a pet, it’s important to bring all family members into the decision and discuss the type of animal that would be a good fit. Dogs are generally higher maintenance than cats because they must be walked or have a fenced backyard. They need to be let out at regular intervals, which means someone has to be home during the day to do that. There are also many dog breeds to consider depending on size and temperament. It is wise to do some research on dog breeds before jumping in.

Cats are generally lower maintenance because they can be left alone for longer periods of time but they do still need love, attention, feedings, and a clean litter box. Sharon Clay advises all cat owners to “Remember they belong indoors. They are not their wild counterparts and do not ‘need’ to go outside.  Domestic cats are considered invasive species and are responsible for the destruction and loss of many bird, reptile and amphibian species. “

If owners want their cats to get outside time, Sharon advises building a catio or training the cat to walk on a leash. Also, she says, “Make sure you know how to trim their claws safely and provide cats with lots of scratching surfaces.  Never de-claw a cat. It is a painful procedure that can lead to other behavioral and medical problems for the cat. If chosen carefully, pets can be a great addition to a family because they bring many years of companionship and enjoyment.”