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10 tips for responsible pet purchasing
Getting a new pet is really exciting… but it involves a lot of important decisions and can be really daunting too! So, in this blog, we’re going to share our Top Ten Tips to help you find the right pet from the right place.
1. Know which pet will best suit your lifestyle – can you provide the necessary amount of exercise? Are you at home enough to give the required amount of attention some pets need and to attend to their toileting needs? Think about the size of your proposed pet and if you have enough room for them. Young pets will also need more time and attention as they will need to be trained and taught a routine.
2. Know what breed would suit your lifestyle – once you have decided which species would be best for you, you should consider thinking about what breed would be best. Different breeds have different typical personalities and traits (although, remember these are tendencies not absolute rules – all pets are individuals, just as much as we are!). On physical grounds there are more rigid distinctions – in size, how they moult differently, and requiring different amounts of attention and exercise.
3. Think about affordability – pets cost money. You should think about the cost of regular vet check-ups for vaccinations, ectoparasite prevention, bedding, food and emergency vet bills. You should look into the price for insuring your pets. Neutering costs should be also considered (although it’s a one-off expense) – do ask, we can provide specific costs in practice.
4. Will a new pet fit in with your other pets – consider other pets you have and young children. You need to choose animals that will mix well. You should ask about the history of the pet with other pets and children to make you aware of any hazards.
5. Contact rescue centres – once you have decided which pet you want, you should contact the local rescue centre and see if they have anything that might suit you. We recommend rescuing pets if possible. You are able to save an animals life!
6. Look at suitable price ranges – if you decide to buy from a breeder, make sure you know the expected price range to pay. Do not be overcharged. You will pay extra for pedigree registered animals, strong genetic history and previous health tests.
7. Research your breeder – do your research beforehand and make sure the breeder is breeding to the correct standards and for the right reasons. There are many different breeders out there and you need to make sure you choose the correct one. You should make sure they know what they are doing. Ask to see pictures of the mother and father. Ask around and read reviews, provide yourself with enough information to allow an informed decision to be made regarding which breeder should be used.
8. Visit the breeder – visiting the breeder allows you to assess the condition of the kennels. Make sure the animals in the home have enough space, food, water and seem generally healthy. If they have more than 3 breeding females, they should have a licence. There are currently no breeding laws for other animal species. Make sure all animals have good body condition. Some breeders use their pets to make as much money as possible and keep getting them pregnant over and over again. This is not a life we want to promote. Overbreeding affects the strength of pets’ bones and increases their risk of infections. We, therefore, encourage you not to fuel this business by buying from them. If you can’t visit the home where a cat, dog or rabbit is bred, this is a red flag – avoid!
9. Be prepared for the arrival of your pet – make sure you know what food your pet was eating prior to its arrival at your house and make sure you have some ready. You should have a bed, bedding and a housing arrangement sorted. A water bottle/bowl will be needed. If you are picking your pet up, you will need to take a pet carrier with you. Make sure you know how to open and close it securely to avoid embarrassment!
10. Think about the timing of your pet’s arrival. It is often easier to toilet train pets in summer months because they are more willing to go outside, for example. It is also best not to get a new pet right before everyone goes away on holiday, and to make sure if there will be someone around to look after them as they settle into their new home.
Good luck with your new pet! We’ll look forward to meeting them soon, and if you have any queries, give us a call!