by Rose Conrad

Created on: December 07, 2008

It takes a hard heart to resist the big pleading eyes of a young puppy or kitten wanting a home, - especially when your children are begging you "Can we have it Mum, PLEASE can we have it". But there is more to adopting a pet than finding the prettiest looking creature and taking it home with you. A pet is"for life, not just for Christmas" as the old saying here goes, and if you want to adopt a pet, please think very carefully before proceeding or there will be heartbreak all around.

First and foremost decide what kind of pet you require. Do you want a cat who is more likely to be independent and can be left alone all day whilst you work? Or do you want a dog, that requires more exercise? If you want a cat, then maybe having two from the same litter would be a good idea. Then they can be company for each other whilst left alone. And , if you want a dog, do you prefer a small one or a larger "gun dog" breed?

Secondly, please remember that the cute, cuddly young puppy or kitten will not always be so small, cute and cuddly. Puppies especially grow very quickly, and that tiny bundle of fur sitting in your arms, will soon be a large gangling creature, with teeth and claws and a need to chew everything in sight, - not to mention the need for lots of exercise. So first you must think very carefully about whether you want a full grown dog or cat, not just a cuddly baby version, and whether you are prepared to put up with the disruption, expense and change to your lifestyle it will cause.

Thirdly, when you go to the Shelter to find your new pet, don't be afraid to ask questions. If the animal has parents within the Shelter (unusual but not impossible) ask to look at them. Certainly with a cross-breed dog, it will be the only way to guage some idea of how large he or she may grow. Watch the puppy/kitten at play too. See whether it is a confident animal or one that may be snappy with it's peer group, or appear withdrawn and possibly with behavioural problems. All these things may sound harsh, but have to be taken into consideration when adopting.

Fourthly, when adopting a pet, think hard about the costs too. Adopting a pet is not just a case of giving a donation to the Shelter. There are Vets' bills to be paid innoculations, annual booster vaccinations, castration/spaying, as well as any general illnesses the animal may have over the years, and as animals get older, their Vets' bills are likely to rise too. If possible take out Pet Insurance with a company like PetPlan. They charge a monthly premium of11.00 for a cat and slightly more for a dog depending on size.When the pet is young it may seem an unnecessary expense, but if an accident occurs,the animal is then covered for treatment up to 6,000.00 each year, which in many cases, is an impossible amount for an ordinary person without insurance to pay, so it really is a matter of life and death for the animal.

Finally, remember when you get your new pet hone, you will need plenty of patience. Many adopted pets have been ill-treated or neglected. For many yours will be the second, or even third home, they have know, and their memories of humans are not good. So don't expect miracles. Take your pet home, put them securely in a room or inside the house with no "escape" routes, and leave them quietly for a couple of days until they have their bearings and feel comfortable enough to come out and explore of their own accord. Always let them come to you instead of pursuing them. They will learn to love and trust you but it will take time, and every creature will be different with their time span, so be patient. So ,remember, there is a lot to think about in adopting a pet, but the rewards come back to you every day for the rest of their lives.

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