Aug
17
What to Consider When Adopting a Pet
Filed Under Cat Paws | Comments Off
Sharon Kay asked:
There are a variety of ways to obtain a pet. Over the past several years the options have broadened with increased internet access. Many sources of pets are perfectly acceptable while others should be approached with great caution.
There is the “old-fashioned” means of finding a home for an animal through a newspaper ad or by word of mouth. These resources are often used by private parties as well as breeders.
Many breeders now sell pets through internet ads offering shipping throughout the United States for an additional fee. In addition to breeders, there are Breed Rescues showing available animals on internet websites. A person searching for a purebred animal will often seek out a breeder or a rescue.
Another avenue of obtaining a pet that is becoming increasingly popular in this area is through a raffle or auction. This means takes advantage of the “cute factor” or impulsive decision making. The organization and provider of the animal may have good intentions when planning the fund raiser. However, most organizations are not aware that the act of giving a live animal as a prize is illegal in the State of Maryland without approval from the Secretary of Agriculture. This law covers all animals from hamsters to horses.
When obtaining a pet from any source, it is wise to do some very valuable research prior to accepting the responsibility of a pet and deciding where to get the pet.
First you must determine if your family has the means to care for a pet. These are only a few things to take into consideration:
1) How much care does the animal require?
2) How much will the initial supplies cost?
3) How much does the animal eat and what is the cost of the food?
4) What type and how much regular veterinarian care does the animal require?
5) Will your life style and financial situation allow you to provide proper care for the animal?
If you decide you are ready and able to take a pet into your family, there are several things to check before you agree to take a certain animal whether it is free or purchased:
1) Make sure you see where the animal has been living.
2) Has the current owner kept the animal up to date on vaccinations?
3) Has the owner had the animal checked by a veterinarian?
4) Will the owner provide you with a copy of the animal’s health records?
5) If obtaining an animal from a breeder or breed rescue, do they allow you to see where the animals are kept and do they have a current Animal Establishment License?
6) Does the organization sponsoring a raffle or auction have the proper permission from the Secretary of Agriculture and will they provide you with the information of the person that donated the animal so you can see where the animal was raised and obtain a health history?
If at any time you feel uneasy about something you see or something the animal owner says or does, you may want to consider getting your new pet from another source.
JESSIE
There are a variety of ways to obtain a pet. Over the past several years the options have broadened with increased internet access. Many sources of pets are perfectly acceptable while others should be approached with great caution.
There is the “old-fashioned” means of finding a home for an animal through a newspaper ad or by word of mouth. These resources are often used by private parties as well as breeders.
Many breeders now sell pets through internet ads offering shipping throughout the United States for an additional fee. In addition to breeders, there are Breed Rescues showing available animals on internet websites. A person searching for a purebred animal will often seek out a breeder or a rescue.
Another avenue of obtaining a pet that is becoming increasingly popular in this area is through a raffle or auction. This means takes advantage of the “cute factor” or impulsive decision making. The organization and provider of the animal may have good intentions when planning the fund raiser. However, most organizations are not aware that the act of giving a live animal as a prize is illegal in the State of Maryland without approval from the Secretary of Agriculture. This law covers all animals from hamsters to horses.
When obtaining a pet from any source, it is wise to do some very valuable research prior to accepting the responsibility of a pet and deciding where to get the pet.
First you must determine if your family has the means to care for a pet. These are only a few things to take into consideration:
1) How much care does the animal require?
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2) How much will the initial supplies cost?
3) How much does the animal eat and what is the cost of the food?
4) What type and how much regular veterinarian care does the animal require?
5) Will your life style and financial situation allow you to provide proper care for the animal?
If you decide you are ready and able to take a pet into your family, there are several things to check before you agree to take a certain animal whether it is free or purchased:
1) Make sure you see where the animal has been living.
2) Has the current owner kept the animal up to date on vaccinations?
3) Has the owner had the animal checked by a veterinarian?
4) Will the owner provide you with a copy of the animal’s health records?
5) If obtaining an animal from a breeder or breed rescue, do they allow you to see where the animals are kept and do they have a current Animal Establishment License?
6) Does the organization sponsoring a raffle or auction have the proper permission from the Secretary of Agriculture and will they provide you with the information of the person that donated the animal so you can see where the animal was raised and obtain a health history?
If at any time you feel uneasy about something you see or something the animal owner says or does, you may want to consider getting your new pet from another source.
JESSIE