Getting a New Pet

Is your tween or teen begging you for a pet? Maybe a dog that he promises he’ll walk every day. Or a hamster and she swears she’ll clean out the cage every week.

We have a cat. Our 14-year-old is responsible for cleaning the kitty litter. However, he usually needs a little reminder to do so. About a year ago our 16-year-old wanted to get a lizard. We told him he needed to do his research before we’d consider it. He got a book, but it never went much further than that.

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Pets can be a great companion and a lot of fun. But they can also be a lot of work. They need to be fed, and walked, cages changed, taken to the vet when sick or for shots, and cuddled and loved. Make sure your child is ready for and understands the responsibility.

Here is a checklist of things to consider before getting a new pet for the family:

• Consider why you want a pet. Are you looking for a companion? Is this something your child has wanted for a while? Or did her best friend just get a dog and she wants to compete?
• Make sure you have enough time for a pet. Pets need somebody home to feed them, make sure they get some exercise, and love them. If, between school, extra-curricular activities, work and friends, your teen is never home then getting him a pet may not be the best decision unless you’re willing to take care of the pet.
• Set a budget. Pets can be expensive. Not on the initial adoption price, but there is also food, vaccines, flea collars, leashes, kitty litter, heartworm medication, grooming, etc. Make sure you have enough room in your budget for the added expense.
• Do you have enough room for a pet? Smaller pets like a hamster, turtle, or fish just need very little real estate. You just need enough room for a cage or tank. But bigger animals like a dog need a yard to run around in. Make sure you have what your pet needs.
• Are you ok with a little mess? Sometimes kitties don’t make it to the litter box on time in the beginning. Or puppies can’t wait until you get home. Plus some animals may shed on the furniture. Or leave footprints on the floor when they come in from outdoors. Will this bother you or are you ok with cleaning up after another somebody?
• Consider how responsible your teen is. Is your teen willing to walk the dog every day? Will she clean the kitty litter? Is he responsible enough to remember to feed his pet snake every day? If he can’t remember to brush his teeth every day he may not be ready for the responsibility of a pet yet.
• Research, research, research. Are they looking for a low maintenance pet…like a fish. Or do they want something they hug and snuggle with? Do they want a dog with a lot of energy or one that’s a little more laid back? Do they know what food to feed their iguana? Get on the internet or go to the library and find out what the perfect pet is for your family.
• Visit quite a few stores before buying. Make sure it’s a reputable store. Does the pet look well fed? Does he look healthy? How do his eyes look? Is he up and around getting some exercise? Ask friends for suggestions. Or adopt from the local Humane Society.
• Make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Make a list and check it twice. Your research comes in handy here. Ask the store clerk what you might need. Make sure you have everything your pet will need. It sucks to get home and realize you don’t have the drops to stabilize the water in the fish tank.
• Find a good vet. We want the best doctor taking care of us. Our pets are no different. Again, ask around. Who do your friend’s and co-workers go to?
• Consider what you will do if your child gets bored of the pet.It’s not fair to a pet to get adopted and then end up at the Human Society a month later. Make sure your teen understand how much work a pet is and is ready for the commitment. Make sure you’re ready to take over if he/she slacks on the job.