| ing of getting a pet, but not sure what type fits | | | | Cockatiels are also becoming increasingly more |
| into your lifestyle? Pets come in all sorts of | | | | popular as pets. Some cities and towns may |
| different shapes and sizes. It is important to | | | | restrict or forbid owning an exotic animal. Small |
| consider various factors when deciding which type | | | | animals, such as birds, fish, or lizards, are practical |
| of pet you prefer. Choose a pet that fits your | | | | for small living quarters. |
| lifestyle and personality. If you like to run or jog | | | | Having a pet seems to help individuals obtain |
| you might consider a dog to run with. If your are | | | | health goals and provide health benefits, such as |
| a less active type person maybe a cat, fish, bird, | | | | lowering blood pressure and relieving stress, in |
| etc would be a better choice. Also, consider the | | | | particular the elderly, giving them someone to |
| physical requirements of taking care of a pet. Do | | | | take care of and help lead a longer, healthier life. |
| you like small animals that are easier to care for, | | | | Even individuals residing in a long-term care facility, |
| or medium to larger animals such as dogs, cats, | | | | such as a hospice or nursing home, experience |
| etc? | | | | health benefits from pets. Pets can bring |
| A pet can be adopted from an animal shelter or | | | | happiness, enrich our lives and provide delightful |
| purchased from a pet store or private breeder. A | | | | companionship. Walking your pet dog can also |
| fast developing source is online pet adoption | | | | provide exercise and fresh air. |
| through not-for-profit websites. These service | | | | Acquiring a pet can be rewarding, but it is also a |
| sites have searchable databases of pets, | | | | big decision which requires time, money, and |
| maintained by thousands of animals shelters, and | | | | commitment. Different pets require varying |
| are searchable by the public. | | | | amounts of attention and care. |
| Some factors to consider when choosing a pet: | | | | Recommended 5 Freedoms of animal welfare: |
| * How much space is available for the pet to live. | | | | I. Freedom from discomfort due to environment. |
| * How much will your budget allow for expenses | | | | II. Freedom from pain, injury and disease. |
| (food, veterinary care, etc). | | | | III. Freedom to express normal behavior for the |
| * How much time you are willing to spend and | | | | species. |
| care for a pet. | | | | IV. Freedom from fear and distress. |
| * Can you have a pet where you live? | | | | V. Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition. |
| * How big will the pet grow to be? | | | | Choosing the right pet can be a time consuming |
| * Do you or any family members have allergies? | | | | process, but it will be in the best interest, not only |
| The two most popular pets are Cats and Dogs. | | | | for you but the animal as well, to take the time |
| Next are freshwater fish and birds. Other popular | | | | to research and select a pet accordingly. |
| pets are Rabbits and Hamsters...Guinea | | | | 'Responsibility' is the key word to keep in mind |
| erbils. Exotic birds such as Parrots, Cockatoos and | | | | when adopting a pet. |