Getting a pet should be a decision made by the whole family
There is nothing more exciting than deciding to get a pet and welcome them into your home. But when you give a pet as a surprise gift to someone, they may not be ready to commit to a pet long-term or have the means to care for that animal. If that's the case, that pet can easily wind up at a pound, shelter or in the hands of the wrong person.
Consider this, dogs and cats can live for over a decade, sometimes longer...
Horses can live for over 30 years... Turtles the same.
Some parrots or donkeys may even outlive YOU.
Pets are a lifelong commitment
Ensure you're ready for a pet and can provide their essential care for many years to come. Some things to consider:
- Do I have enough time to spend with my pet every day?
- Will this new pet get along with any other existing animals and children in the home?
- Is this new pet already microchipped and desexed, or is this a cost I need to consider?
- Do I have the means to ensure my pet gets an annual health check up at the vet every year?
- Can I provide a quality diet for my pet every day?
- Should I consider getting pet insurance for peace of mind if my animal gets ill or injured?
- Can I provide my pet with enrichment - toys, treats, exercise etc?
- Do I have an appropriate carrier or crate, collars, leads and other items when I need to travel with my pet?
- Have I got bedding and blankets so they're comfortable?
- Can I provide a secure home for my pet? Eg. Appropriate fencing, safe space indoors.
- When Im not home, does my pet have access to enough shade and water?
- Can I provide appropriate training and socialisation for my dog like classes with RSPCA School for Pets?
- If I go on holiday, can I book in pet boarding or pet sitting?
- If I move home, can I take my pet with me?
Ready to find a pet? Consider adoption first
When adopting a pet, youre not only giving an animal in need a second chance, but you're also saving some initial pet costs that might not be covered if you privately buy a pet.
For example - depending on the animal type - desexing, vaccinations, microchips, worming and flea treatments, and health checks are all done at the RSPCA prior to an animal becoming available to adopt. Visit your local RSPCA, Petbarn, or reputable rescue group to view all of the animals currently waiting for homes.
Consider becoming an animal foster carer
If you can't commit long-term to a pet, becoming an RSPCA Foster Carer is a great way to care for a pet, but for a shorter period - a few weeks to a few months. Animals may need foster care for a range of reasons. Here's more about becoming an RSPCA foster carer and how to apply.
Research breed traits and health issues
The best thing you can do when choosing a pet is ensuring you're informed and choosing a pet that suits your lifestyle.
Even the cutest of animals can have breed related issues that can compromise their welfare. You wouldn't want your pet to be unhealthy and unhappy... And some health issues can be expensive to rectify. For example, Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs can all experience significant health issues. Love is blind. Read more here.
If you're not sure what pet to choose, talk to an expert like your trusted veterinarian, a reputable dog breeder, dog behaviourist, or chat to our RSPCA Adoptions team who are more than happy to do their best to match a pet up for adoption to your lifestyle.
Watch for online scams and choose a responsible breeder
We can all fall in love with cute photos of animals online, but are they legit?
You should never pay for a pet sight unseen; chances are it's a scam.
You should always be able meet the pet at their owner's home prior to purchase. If you have any animal welfare concerns with how that pet is living, raised, treated... you may have found a dodgy seller or breeder - contact our RSPCA Inspectorate team here.
No matter how 'convenient' it may sound, if someone offers to meet you halfway or bring a pet to you, you don't know how that animal has been bred, socialised or treated, and as a result that pet could be from an irresponsible breeder.
Here are more helpful tips on purchasing a dog or puppy: RSPCA Smart Puppy Buyers Guide and for cats and kittens: RSPCA Smart Cat and Kitten Buyers Guide.
