Do Your Homework

Things to consider before bringing a pet home

It’s the holiday season, and that means one thing for certain: gift giving. While it may seem like a fantastic idea to finally surprise that person in your life with the pet they’ve always wanted, any pet requires huge amounts of research, preparation, and consideration. The last thing anyone wants is to have to give up a new pet due to lack of preparedness shortly after welcoming them into your home. We’ve put together some questions and tips to help you make informed decisions about your soon-to-be best friend.

Research is the name of the game when it comes to buying or adopting a new pet. Most pet owners-to-be know they prefer cats over dogs or vice-versa, but each individual breed comes with their own specific challenges and special concerns. Allergens, shedding, life-span, energy-levels, potential health

issues, and daily time commitment are just a few categories of research to look into before you set your heart on a particular pet. Small pets, too, (even goldfish!) require a thorough amount of research before purchase. This could mean knowing appropriate tank or cage sizes, nutritional needs, bedding, lamp setups, and so on.

Through your research, it’s important to consider your current lifestyle and whether or not your chosen pet would be a good fit for your household. Do you have the means to take care of a rambunctious puppy? Will your job situation permit you to spend adequate time with your new parrot? Do you have time to take an energetic dog for long walks each day? Does your chosen breed tend to get along with children? If the pet will be your child’s, are you as the parent willing to pick up the slack in caretaking if they lose interest in the pet? It’s unfortunate, but it happens! Questions like these are important to consider before making any commitments.

Pets tend not to be the most gracious roommates. Sometimes, a lack of adequate attention can cause an animal to become destructive. Other times, accidents happen! Your pet will likely be curious about everything they can get their paws on. That’s why it’s important to pet-proof your home by moving any delicate objects out of reach and making peace with the fact that accidents can (and will) happen. But fret not! Objects are just objects, and there’s always good ol’ Lysol.

If re-carpeting is the least of your worries, then be sure to consider the inevitable vet bills that may come your way. Even the most cautious pet owners find non-routine visits to the vet unavoidable at times. A solid plan of action before acquiring your furry friend is to save some emergency funds for such occasions. Pet insurance can also be a great solution.

If there’s one thing to take away, remember that pets are friends, not toys that you can stow away once the novelty wears off. All animals require a great deal of commitment. This is a living, breathing creature under your care and it’s up to you to take care of them to the best of your abilities.

Once you’ve done all your homework, rolled up that antique rug, and set some money aside, you’re ready to take a new friend home! In the spirit of the holiday season, we’ve collected a list of animal shelters across Canada as a starting point to check out:

(BC) Cat Therapy and Rescue (BC) Raincoast Dog Rescue

(AB) Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society

(ON) Underdog Railroad Canada (ON) Freedom Dog Rescue

(NL, NB, PEI) Save a Life Canada Animal Rescue Society

PB&CHI IS A NON-PROFIT DOG RESCUE who’s mission is to save dogs that are at risk of euthanasia in overcrowded shelters and from other situations of neglect. We have them fully vetted (spayed/neutered, vaccinated, any health concerns and surgeries taken care of), provide training as needed and find them their forever homes in British Columbia. We provide ongoing support to our dogs and adopters for life. PB&Chi is a registered Canadian charity, run by group of volunteers and relies solely on donations.