our advice: ASK DR. CATE
Vet Rap by
Dr. Ryan Cate
Adding a New Pet to Your
Holiday Mix
By DR. RYAN CATE and MELISSA MOORMAN
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Cate: We were consider-
ing a new pet for our family as a
Christmas present? Do you have
any suggestions so our pet will be
a happy addition to our family?
cost of your new pet. Research
the pet breed and type you are
considering, but all pets require a
financial commitment. Vet visits,
food, medicine and shots are just
some of the costs you can expect
to encounter. If you are consid-
ering an exotic pet like a turtle,
snake or lizard, make sure that
you know who locally has experi-
ence with the species you choose.
Remember, wild animals are
never a good choice for a family
pet.
What will your future look
like?
Although no one has a crys-
tal ball, you need to consider
the future of the pet you choose.
Some horses live 30 years or
more, while some birds can live
100 years. You are making a
commitment for the animal’s life,
so make sure you are planning for
the pet and your own future.
Your veterinarian is a great
resource if you are considering
adding a family pet. They can
share what a pet’s needs will be
and can discuss whether the one
that you are considering will be
compatible with your family’s life-
style. Adding a pet can make for a
great and memorable holiday for
your entire family, if you do your
research and planning before-
hand.
ANSWER:
Adding a member to your family
is definitely something to think
about before you see a cute dog
at the pet store on adoption day.
When you add a pet, you are
promising to care for that animal
for its entire life. A pet is a living
thing with feelings, needs and
you are solely responsible for
its welfare. I encourage you to
consider the following before you
make a commitment.
Will the pet get along with any
other pets you might have?
Is the pet the same species as
the one(s) you have now? If yes,
there could be jealousy issues. If
not, will the pet be compatible
with another kind of animal you
already have in your home?
What expectations do you
have of the pet you are consider-
ing?
Are you looking for a jogging
buddy, or just one to keep your
feet warm through the winter?
You need to make sure that the
pet you choose is compatible with
your expectations and your life-
style. Don’t choose a pet that is
nocturnal if you value your sleep,
for example.
Who will be taking care of the
new pet and how much time will
they have to devote to it?
If you are purchasing a new
cat or dog for a child, make sure
the child is old enough to care
for the animal you choose. If the
child is old enough, be ready to
assist with obedience training. If
not, obedience training is avail-
able at many locations and is
worth the money. But remember,
a child needs to be supervised
with a new pet. Their attention
spans are short just like a puppy’s
or a kitten’s. You need to make
sure the pet is getting everything it
needs on a day-to-day basis.
How much room will the new
pet need?
Be reasonable when you
choose a pet. Don’t bring a
90-pound dog into a one-
bedroom apartment. Consider
the space needs of your new pet.
Different breeds have different
needs when it comes to exer-
cise and space needed. Also be
aware of any restrictions if you
rent. Some cities, suburbs, home-
owner’s associations or apartment
complexes have rules about the
number and types of animals that
are allowed.
How much does a new pet
cost?
Make sure you can afford the
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