| Choosing the right pet for your family is not | | | | There are so many unwanted animals who are |
| always an easy task. You need to make sure you | | | | put down every day. There are animals who |
| not only have the knowledge to care for your | | | | never experience the love of a human family. |
| new pet, but also that you can meet the needs | | | | Please take the precautions to not bring more |
| of whatever type of animal you choose. | | | | animals into this world. Please get them spayed or |
| Children benefit from the companionship of an | | | | neutered. |
| animal and from the responsibility of caring for | | | | There are 'no kill' shelters popping up all over the |
| another living being. However, children can not be | | | | country, but government shelters do put their |
| fully responsible for the animal - they need the | | | | animals down - so you may want to check with |
| help and support of an adult. | | | | your government shelters first. The reason |
| Consider a visit to the animal shelter if you are | | | | government shelters do not have a 'no kill' policy |
| considering a dog or cat. Some of the most loyal | | | | is because they take ALL animals; animals that |
| animals come from a shelter. You also may be | | | | bite, animals who are not house trained and even |
| saving the animal's life. | | | | animals with serious health problems. They also |
| If you are planning on farm animals or exotic | | | | shelter strays, in hopes of reuniting families with |
| animals for your new pet, make sure they are | | | | lost pets. Since they do not turn animals away |
| permitted in your area. | | | | they run out of room to house all the animals. |
| Exotic pets have exotic needs: fish need a precise | | | | Shelters also run out of homes that can provide |
| pH and temperature in their water, snakes eat | | | | responsible care within their city and county |
| other animals and frogs may eat each other. | | | | boundaries. |
| Chinchillas will only drink running water. Female | | | | Often pets deteriorate in a kennel environment. |
| ferrets become ill if they are not spayed, small | | | | They become fearful, overactive, frustrated, |
| birds eat ground shells or sand to help digest their | | | | aggressive, sometimes ill, making them less |
| seeds. | | | | attractive to an adopting family. |
| You may need to purchase special equipment | | | | No kill shelters screen animals for behavior and |
| such as a heater and special food. | | | | health problems. |
| Taking care of your new pet should be taken | | | | After you find the right pet for you and your |
| very seriously. Do not get an animal unless you | | | | family, remember the animals who you left |
| are willing to meet the needs of that particular | | | | behind. If you are able, please remember them by |
| animal both physically and financially. | | | | either helping financially or volunteering your time. |