Are you Ready?
Here are some hard facts to think about
Cost: can I afford this?The obvious cost is food. There are plenty of varieties on the market, all with varying price tags. On average it costs �10 a week to feed a dog - that's �520 per year excluding treats.
Adult dogs and cats need to be vaccinated yearly. This can cost between �30 and �60 for a dog, depending on the vet you use. Puppies need a course of three vaccinations, each costing between �20 and �40.
Other costs include:
- All dogs need worm and flea treatment every four to six months - this combined can cost up to �50
- Dogs should be neutered for health and behavioural reasons - this can cost up to �200
- Pet insurance is vital in this day and age - this can cost from �10 to �40 a month
- Don't forget to include the cost of boarding your dog at kennels during holidays
Time: do I have enough of it?
If you work long hours, a dog is not for you. Dogs are social creatures and should not be left alone for long periods. Dogs need regular
exercise. Depending on the age and breed of dog, you may need to take your dog for three walks a day for up to an hour at a time. You should also devote time to socialising, training, grooming and playing with your dog on a daily basis. This can be great fun but is also time-consuming. Remember, the more you put into your dog, the more you will get back. Cats are more independent than dogs and the average adult cat can cope far better with being left for some part of the day. Kittens, however, should not be left alone for very long.
If you work and the cat is going to be left during the day, it is important that you commit time in the evenings to playing with, and mentally stimulating, your cat. This is doubly important if your cat is an indoor cat and has no other means of mental stimulation.Circumstances: would a dog or cat suit my lifestyle?
You need to consider how a dog or cat will fit in around other family members particularly children and other pets or livestock. Work commitments are one of the biggest considerations, as this will determine how much time you can devote to your dog or cat.
Commitment: do I have a problem with commitment?
If the answer is yes, you should consider an animal with a shorter life span. Owning a puppy is a 12 to 15-year commitment. Rescuing an older dog reduces that time-scale but brings its own unique rewards.
This question obviously applies to cats as well. Cats can live even longer than dogs, sometimes up to 20 years, and although they are more independent than dogs they are very sensitive to their environment and need the stability and security of a permanent, loving home.