How to Choose a Pet
Do you know that in the United States pets outnumber people?
Recent statistics show that there are about 380 million pets opposed to 290 million people? 62 % of the households own a pet, and 46% of all households own more than one pet.
The most common pet in the USA is the cat (of which there are 78 million pet cats), next comes the dog (there are 65 million dogs), the third most popular pet is birds (18 million). The other top pets are small animals and fish, but there are a lot less of these than cats and dogs.
More and more people are buying pets because they realise the great advantages of having a pet, a pet is a great companion, a loyal friend and a part of the family. Since a pet has such an important role to play in your life it is important thinking hard to pick the right pet for you.
Careful research before allowing the new member in can save a lot of frustration later. If you and your pet are not compatible, your coexistence will not be peaceful and eventually you may have to expel the poor creature, because it is you, who made the wrong judgment.
If you are choosing a pet the real choice you are probably making is whether to get a dog or a cat, perhaps you are considering a pet that requires less effort such as a fish or bird also. If you decide to opt for a dog you must then choose what breed of dog toget, with over 150 breeds you are spoiled for choice!
Dogs are considered to be more of a companion or friend than a cat, however dogs require more care than cats. Cats are far more independent - they tend to spend a lot of time off by themselves, they also tend to form more of bond with the home where they live than with the people they live with.
It is very important to figure out how much space the pet needs and whether you can provide it. If you live in a small flat and there is not enough room, think about whether a dog will be happy in that confined space. Even a cat might feel imprisoned. Probably in this case the best selection is birds or fish, because they do not need much space.
If you are away from home often and live alone you have to think about who would mind a dog if you got one, dogs cannot be left alone at home without someone to check on them occassionally, to feed them and walk them. There might be a neighbour or pet hostel who would take care of your dog while your away, if not then maybe a dog isn't a good option. Cats do not like being left alone either, despite their independence.
If you choose a dog you must remember they need to be walked once or twice a day and that they need space in which to live. This is particularly true of large breeds of dog such as St Bernards. Large dogs also eat a lot which must be factored into your costs.
A big dog can be useful, it can be trained to act as a gaurd dog for example and is a highly visible (and audible!) deterrent to potential burglars. Small dogs have unique advantages also - they take up less space, are usually very friendly and love playing, and they do not need long walks so are ideally suited for children and the elderly.
Whatever your final decision, the most important thing is to do your homework -- research the facts and consider what will suit you best -- because if it doesn't suit you, your new pet will be unhappy also.
Alyssa Hallam is the webmaster of
AH Pet Her site has a comprehensive collection of information on all different kinds of pets, including a free newsletter, pet resources and articles. For great pet information, go to:
http://www.ahpet.com
About the Author
Alyssa Hallam is the webmaster of
AH Pet Her site has a comprehensive collection of information on all different kinds of pets, including a free newsletter, pet resources and articles. For great pet information, go to:
http://www.ahpet.com