GETTING A PET Pets come in all shapes and sizes. From a 30g Russian Dwarf hamster to a 75kg Great Dane dog, people enjoy the company of these extremes and everything in between in their homes. But if you are new to pet ownership or thinking of adding to your furry family members, how do you choose which pet would be best for you?
them every day! Other breeds are happy with a potter around the garden or local park. Training a puppy to follow commands and behave in a reliable manner takes months of constant work which continues into adulthood. Are you at home during the day or will you need someone to check in on your dog or a walker to take them out? Cats and small mammals require less of your time but should still have dedicated time each day for play and interaction as well as feeding, grooming, cleaning litter trays and enclosures.
What space do you have?
Medium and large dog breeds need a decent size of enclosed garden to play and run around in. Is there enough room in your home for pet beds, toys, food and drink bowls, litter trays or even a hutch?
Who else lives in the household?
Here are some things to think about:
If small children are present or planned for, consider how different breeds of dog are likely to accept or fit in around them. In most circumstances cats are not happy about new puppies or kittens entering their household – although they will usually learn to tolerate them!
Do you have time for a pet?
Can you afford a pet?
Louise with Bertie
Dogs in particular need a big commitment of time. Healthy adult dogs should be walked for 30-60 minutes twice daily depending on the breed. Some breeds need a very active lifestyle, and you should be prepared to walk miles and miles with 18
Puppies can be very expensive to buy initially but the ongoing costs of a pet are more important to think about as these will be lifelong. For a medium breed dog, the initial set up costs are around £400 and ongoing is likely to be £75-100 per month. WOKINGHAM LOCAL • SEPTEMBER 2022
