Here are 10 Essential Reality Checks for YOU to consider when ‘others’ are considering the addition of a new pet to your family or household.So you want a pet or at least your kids want a pet, well there is nothing unnatural about that, the whole idea will sound great…but wait a minute, stop and think…. there are some great positives about this idea….there are also some essential reality checks that need thinking about….a quick read through my checklists below will help you make a more realistic decision.Remember the old saying “A pet is not just for Christmas”. Someone will have to clear the ‘pooh’ up at the end of it …. all.
Essential Reality Check No. 1 –
The Type of Pet
How much will the pet costs be – not just to buy – but to care for on a daily basis?What size of pet does your child want? – What space will be needed? A hamster 帶狗去新西蘭 does not take up much space but guinea pigs, ferrets and rats need much larger cages.How much time do your kids and you as a family have to give to the pet?Will your family be safe with the pet? Will the pet be safe with your family?If you have a larger pet such as a dog, cat, or goat what effects will it have on your family, friends and neighbours?How will your pet be cared for during your holidays.Will your family be able to cope with the eventual death of a pet?Some pets will sleep most of the day and be awake at night. Hamsters can be very noisy at night!If your child wants a dog you will need to look into the breed, size and exercise needs of the dogDo you already have another pet, what effect will it have on that pet. For instance will your dog be OK with a cat or rabbit or bird?
Essential Reality Check No. 2 –
Ages of your Kids
You will need to decide on a pet that is suitable for the age of your kids.For instance in most cases it would not be wise to buy a hamster for a two year old child who is still adapting to the world around them and may not know or be able to handle the hamster gently.Do you want to give your kids some responsibility in caring for an animal. Some kids are very responsible and will be able to manage this. Other kids, well the sight of a baby animal is just too appealing, after all who can resist a cute puppy or kitten or baby hamster?At first you may need to help your kids, as caring for a pet is a very responsible job. As a parent or carer you will always need to oversee a pet’s care.As the parent or carer you will need to decide if your child is old enough to handle and care for a pet. How often have parents heard the cry “oh but we promise we’ll take it for walks everyday”Or “we’ll clean it out mum, we promise”. How will you feel in a years time when you find yourself caring for the pets because the kids are busy with friends or away on a school trip or inundated with homework or just plain bored with the poor thing.
Essential Reality Check No. 3
True Costs of Pets for Kids
Some pets are very cheap to buy for instance hamsters, guinea pigs, goldfish. gerbils, fancy rats, fancy mice and rabbits and even ferrets.You will still need to consider:
The cage set up (this can be very expensive when looking at the cage sizes that most pets need) in fact they need the largest cage you can manage