Things to consider to prevent pet disaster
By Karen T. Irby Guest Columnist

It happens when you least expect it. You're at the grocery store, a friend's house, or at the mall in Mobile, and there they are: someone with a box of kittens or puppies, or even a fullfledged pet adoption by the local animal shelter or rescue group.

If you have your children with you, you're usually in the middle of the trap before you see it coming. "Oh, Mom, they're SO CUTE!", "Oh, Daddy, can I please, PLEASE have one?" is usually the first indication you're in deep trouble. If you catch on quickly, you might reply, "No, but we can LOOK at them for a few minutes", and you may get away empty handed. That is, if you can ignore those pleading eyes…the animals, not just your children's!

Bringing a new pet into the home should never be an impulse decision. A kitten or puppy, or even a snake, iguana or bird, is a living creature, with needs that must be recognized before making the decision to purchase or adopt. No amount of pleading or promises that "I'll take care of him/her!" should influence that decision. We all know that, generally speaking, Mom or Dad will end up being responsible for most of the care of a pet, not to mention the expense.

That cute little kitten or puppy will require vaccinations and routine medical care throughout its life, and, like children, they can become sick with illnesses as simple as a cold or as life-threatening as cancer. These require treatment from a veterinarian, just as your child would require a doctor's visit if they were ill. Misty, my "free" Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix, suffered from mange, tonsillitis, a broken leg and was a "nipper", constantly biting me and my son for the first year of her life, because she had been taken from her mother and littermates too soon. In her first year of life she cost me over $1,000. My point being, even a "free pet" is going to cost you money, and time.

Because they are so cute and cuddly when they are small, everyone enjoys them-they are just plain fun to have around. You can spend hours watching them play or playing with them. A friend once told me there was no better amusement than a baby or a new puppy or kitten! But unlike a baby, that puppy or kitten grows up quickly. When they aren't quite as playful and cute anymore, or they bite or scratch someone, many times the outcome for them isn't good.

It's much easier to put Fido or Miss Kitty outside than to deal with behaviors we don't like. Then that cute little kitten or puppy ends up alone and nearly forgotten, tied to a tree or roaming the neighborhood, having multiple litters, being exposed to diseases, abuse, or even "death by car", ultimately becoming more of a nuisance than a beloved family pet. This is a very sad scenario, but one that can easily be avoided.

These are some steps you can take to prevent a pet disaster:

Decide if your family is really ready for a pet. Think about how much time you have in your day to devote to a puppy, kitten or other pet. Are you willing to commit to the pet for the rest of their life? Dogs especially are social animals, and require much more attention, training and activities. If you can't devote the necessary time and energy to a pet, which may well live 10-15 years, it might be best to reconsider.

Is someone in your family "allergic?" Many times cats and dogs have to be removed from the home because someone cannot tolerate the animal hair or "dander" that they shed. Be sure before adopting that this will not be a problem.

Can you afford a pet? As mentioned before, even a "free" animal can become costly! You have to consider the expense of medical care, inoculations, spaying or neutering your pet, annual wellness checks and, your worst nightmare, medical emergencies. If you are truly going to provide the best care for your pet, all these things should be considered well in advance. (Pet insurance can help with these issues…you can check with your local Veterinarian for information.)

Do you have the proper space for a new pet? Dogs should have an area where they can roam and exercise, but which is enclosed and safe, or they should be walked on a leash. They should also have a warm, dry place to sleep, out of the weather. Cats that are kept inside can live up to 20 years, whereas cats living in the outdoors may only have a lifetime of 4-5 years. All pets should have a constant supply of fresh water and be fed on a routine basis.

What if you have to move? Will you take your pet with you, no matter what the circumstances? Or will you have to "rehome" your pet, hopefully with someone who will give him/her the care and love they deserve?

These are just a few things to consider before deciding to add a new member to your household, especially one that will be completely dependent on you for his/her care. Animals are not objects that we own, they are companions who share our lives and give us unconditional love. All they ask in return is that we love them and treat them with kindness and dignity. As a responsible pet owner, that's the least we can do.

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