analyze their wants and needs and then research the best options that fit their lives before buying.


M Unfortunately, many people do not


apply these same principles when they are shopping for a new family pet.


Impulsive pet purchases can


lead to unpleasant results for both the owner and the animal and it contributes to an increase of unwanted animals overcrowding shelters across the country. “We want the animal to start out


with the best possible chance of going toward its perfect family,” said Erin Sitera, Humane Society of Yuma director of development. “It’s very stressful for animals to be returned and go from a home environment back to a shelter and back to a home environment.” So to help you avoid making the


wrong pet choice, here are 10 tips to consider before selecting a new family friend:


Family Lifestyle When selecting a pet, every family


should consider a species that matches their lifestyle. “People really need to think about


where they are in life and what kind of (pet) personality would work within their family,” Sitera said. “Lifestyle and personality (play) a big (role) in picking out a pet.” Every species has their own


unique traits and require varying levels of care. If you have a busy work schedule


and cannot be home to feed and exercise a larger pet, then maybe you should consider a fish or another aquatic animal since they require very little maintenance. If you need to wake up early in


the morning for work, you shouldn’t buy a nocturnal pet like a hamster or hedgehog which tend to make noise all night.


Pet Maintenance Requirements Every pet has different maintenance requirements. Besides feeding and cleaning the aquarium, there is typically zero interaction with fish.


Small pets, such as hamsters,


gerbils and mice, may be adorable, but cleaning their living space might become a point of contention between parents and young children.


ost people would never purchase a new house or car on a whim. They first


10


tips for selecting a family pet


Story by Darren Daronco Larger pets, such as cats and


dogs, usually entail greater time and maintenance demands on the family. Therefore, it is imperative that


every family is honest about the level of commitment they are willing to make to an animal.


Include the Family in the Decision Often times, the interests of one


or two family members dominate the selection process, which can lead to the wrong pet being chosen. To prevent this, make sure you listen carefully to the opinions of everyone in the family and bring them along when the time is right to meet your new family member. “We require that all of the members


in the family be present,” Sitera said. “Because we want to make sure it’s going to be a good fit and everybody gets along.”


Life Span of the Pet Another important factor is the


longevity of a pet. Goldfish can live anywhere between ten hours and ten years. Hamsters and mice are cute and cuddly playmates for young kids, but they die quickly. Dogs and cats generally live between 9-13 years. And some pets, like certain species of turtles, can live to 100. Your Child’s Temperament


While pets are great for children,


matching a pet to your kid’s personality is very important because the wrong combination can cause problems. “Some (pets) require, just because


of their size or energy level, that kids be 13 or older just to keep everybody safe and happy,” Sitera said. “(Pets) are a great lesson for kids growing up, but you don’t want them hurting the animal or abusing the animal in any way.”


Expenses Every pet comes with certain


costs. Food, veterinary visits, grooming, and other expenses can add up quickly and put a strain on a family’s budget. Exotic pets and pure breed


animals are expensive to purchase and are usually associated with higher maintenance costs. Mixed-breed dogs and cats


and simple fish are the typically the most affordable options for cost- conscious families.


Allergies If anyone in your family suffers


from allergies, a pet could become a constant source of misery. Dog and cats both shed and their dander can cause allergic reactions. Animal saliva can trigger a


response in some people and fish tanks grow mold which can cause problems for people with mold sensitivities. Even if no one is allergic to a


specific animal, you must be mindful that all pets that are allowed to roam


outside will track in dust and other potential allergens. Family’s Living Situation


The amount of space available for


a pet can have a significant impact on the type of pet that you choose. If you live in a studio apartment,


a St. Bernard may not be the most practical choice. Before making a final decision,


you should determine how much space the potential pet requires so you can ensure a good match. Check for Signs of a Healthy Pet You don’t need to bring it to the veterinarian’s office, but you should perform a cursory check of the pet before taking it out the door. When selecting a pet, you should


always check for discharge from the eyes or nose, coughing, diarrhea, lethargy, or any other aberration. Select Your Pet from a Reputable Source


Consult veterinarians, friends,


breeders or any other trusted source to make sure the person or agency you are getting your pet from is reliable and in good standing. Also, you may consider adopting from a shelter or a pet rescue. Many shelters provide health guarantees and you can feel good about saving a homeless pet.


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