Ten Tips For Selecting The Perfect Pet For Your Family
1. When considering a pet always research the characteristics and the needs of that particular species or
breed of animal. Impulsive choices can make for years of regret or the sorrow of a lost pet.
2. Looks and behavior are selected for and bred into animals for a reason. Herding dogs will have a
tendency to chase and nip: terriers are inherently aggressive as hunters and will often show that tendency
towards people. Some breeds of dogs are instinctively better with children, while some breeds will, by their
size and instinctive nature, be a problem with children. In general, some breeds of cats are very quiet and
good-natured; others are instinctively vocal and high-strung. A pot-bellied pig may be cute at 6 weeks, but
may not make a good apartment pet at 250 pounds.
3. Certain animals are very adaptable and trainable, while others are not. No animal is born knowing what
you want and how to live in your environment. It must be trained. The breed with the unique looks may not be
the one best suited for your training expertise.
4. Visit a "puppy kindergarten"class or a local dog training facility. These experts on training can provide
valuable insight on the different dog breeds and which may best suit your needs. Enrolling your dog and
yourself in a training class can make all the difference between a well-mannered member of the family and a
chronic headache.
5. Consider your environment when selecting a pet. Large dogs will need more room to exercise indoors
and out. Dogs will require some form of containment outdoors, either a fence or leash. Cats can easily and
willingly be kept indoors, eliminating the need for outdoor accommodations.
6. Consider your schedule and lifestyle. Dogs require much more personal attention than cats, birds, fish
small pocket pets or caged reptile. Dogs require frequent trips outdoors for exercise and elimination as
opposed to other pets. If denied, these dogs can create significant problems in the home.
7. Think through very carefully the maintenance cost and responsibilities assumed with pet ownership.
Discuss these needs with all family members and consider the effects this new member of the household will
have on everyone involved. A pet is not a disposable commodity; a pet is a lifelong obligation. Assume it
wisely.
8. Visit your local humane society or county animal control shelter, but remember that adult pets have already
developed many good and bad habits that you may have to deal with. Often these pets are turned in
because of lack of training and bad behavior. Often the pets are confiscated by officers while roaming freely.
These behaviors are usually correctable if done with patience and the right techniques. These pets are,
however, often in need of the right home. Seeking a pet at these shelters is not only commendable, but is
encouraged.
9. Your veterinarian is the ideal source of information and recommendations for appropriate selection of a
pet. Pet stores, breeders and shelters are in business to place animals in homes and may be
knowledgeable to help in your selection, however , a veterinarian is still a valuable resource in making your
pet selection. Schedule an actual appointment to visit your local veterinarian and discuss your interest in a
pet. It will be money well spent.
10. Enjoy your pet, there is no better friend.
This information brought to you by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and your family veterinarian
breed of animal. Impulsive choices can make for years of regret or the sorrow of a lost pet.
2. Looks and behavior are selected for and bred into animals for a reason. Herding dogs will have a
tendency to chase and nip: terriers are inherently aggressive as hunters and will often show that tendency
towards people. Some breeds of dogs are instinctively better with children, while some breeds will, by their
size and instinctive nature, be a problem with children. In general, some breeds of cats are very quiet and
good-natured; others are instinctively vocal and high-strung. A pot-bellied pig may be cute at 6 weeks, but
may not make a good apartment pet at 250 pounds.
3. Certain animals are very adaptable and trainable, while others are not. No animal is born knowing what
you want and how to live in your environment. It must be trained. The breed with the unique looks may not be
the one best suited for your training expertise.
4. Visit a "puppy kindergarten"class or a local dog training facility. These experts on training can provide
valuable insight on the different dog breeds and which may best suit your needs. Enrolling your dog and
yourself in a training class can make all the difference between a well-mannered member of the family and a
chronic headache.
5. Consider your environment when selecting a pet. Large dogs will need more room to exercise indoors
and out. Dogs will require some form of containment outdoors, either a fence or leash. Cats can easily and
willingly be kept indoors, eliminating the need for outdoor accommodations.
6. Consider your schedule and lifestyle. Dogs require much more personal attention than cats, birds, fish
small pocket pets or caged reptile. Dogs require frequent trips outdoors for exercise and elimination as
opposed to other pets. If denied, these dogs can create significant problems in the home.
7. Think through very carefully the maintenance cost and responsibilities assumed with pet ownership.
Discuss these needs with all family members and consider the effects this new member of the household will
have on everyone involved. A pet is not a disposable commodity; a pet is a lifelong obligation. Assume it
wisely.
8. Visit your local humane society or county animal control shelter, but remember that adult pets have already
developed many good and bad habits that you may have to deal with. Often these pets are turned in
because of lack of training and bad behavior. Often the pets are confiscated by officers while roaming freely.
These behaviors are usually correctable if done with patience and the right techniques. These pets are,
however, often in need of the right home. Seeking a pet at these shelters is not only commendable, but is
encouraged.
9. Your veterinarian is the ideal source of information and recommendations for appropriate selection of a
pet. Pet stores, breeders and shelters are in business to place animals in homes and may be
knowledgeable to help in your selection, however , a veterinarian is still a valuable resource in making your
pet selection. Schedule an actual appointment to visit your local veterinarian and discuss your interest in a
pet. It will be money well spent.
10. Enjoy your pet, there is no better friend.
This information brought to you by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and your family veterinarian
