Dogs

Dogs are great additions to the family; however, your home environment will have an impact on which dog breed is most suited to you. While some dogs are happy to live in an apartment, others require open spaces to keep them happy. Backyard space is another important factor to consider before to choosing a dog as some dogs need access to a garden for more freedom. But don’t be fooled into thinking that the size of your home has to match the size of your dog! What it really comes down to is a dog’s energy requirements. A Great Dane is secretly a perfect apartment dog, because once they’ve had their walk they are completely docile.  Greyhounds also fall into this category – they love their naps even more than you do! Take the quiz here to match your lifestyle to the perfect breed! https://www.petpositives.com.au/dog-breeds/

Cats

Moggies make up the vast majority of cats in Australia, so a lot of the time it can come down to the individual personality of the cat – do they like kids, or their own quiet time?  But if you’re after someone really specific, you could look at the characteristics of the different cat breeds in Australia. There are a range of factors to consider before to choosing the perfect cat breed for your lifestyle. Cats love making use of vertical space such as furniture and window sills, so smaller apartments are great for those who don’t have a big backyard. Some cats are very social and really enjoy human companionship, so are more suited to an indoor environment. Other factors to consider include how vocal some breeds could be, and if they shed hair. As a fairly independent species, they can be great for people who work long hours or sometimes travel for work. Take the quiz here to learn more about the different cat breeds:  https://www.petpositives.com.au/breeds/

Fish

It is common for new fish owners to think that smaller bowls or fish tanks mean less responsibility and maintenance. With frequent water changes and cleaning, fish bowls can make suitable habitats for pet fish, but it does require a lot of work. For those who invest in a well-filtered tank, less time is required with only weekly cleanings needed rather than a daily clean for smaller unfiltered fish bowls. Fish are tranquil and calming, can help lower blood pressure and stress in adults, are quiet, and make wonderful pets for those who don’t have time or physical space to devote to a high maintenance companion. Breeds such as Betta fish or Goldfish are ideal for new fish owners as they can thrive in a bowl and with frequent water changes, can make the perfect addition to your home and family.

Birds

The location of a birdcage is an integral part of your bird’s environment and daily life. The ideal placement of a birdcage, is in a corner where it provides them with a sense of security and partial view of a window. Placing your birdcage directly in front of a window may scare them as dogs, storms or commotion may frighten them. Contrary to popular belief, birds are incredibly social creatures and need a lot of mental stimulation. This may pose as a problem if they don’t have another bird to keep them company, or if their owner is out for the majority of the day. While birds may be good for small spaces, they may require attention and socialisation in captivity or they may exhibit frustration by screaming, picking their feathers or developing compulsive behaviours. If you live in close proximity to neighbours, then you may want to consider a quieter breed such as a canary, parakeet or cockatiel.

Rabbits

Rabbits are great indoor pets. They are brimming with personality, docile and easy to train to use a litter tray. They don’t need a huge amount of space and can be kept indoors or outdoors, depending on your living environment. If you choose to keep your rabbit outdoors, they will need a proper enclosure and extra care during season changes. Rabbits are very curious, so they enjoy digging, chewing and exploring. If you choose to keep your rabbit indoors, you will need to bunny-proof your home by concealing cords and providing it with lots of toys and safe chewables. Consideration should be given to space, protection from predators, different temperatures and sufficient ventilation.

Pets are a great addition to every home, but before you consider taking on the responsibility of having one, ensure that you do your research and consider factors such as space, ownership permissions, time available to spend with your pet, your activity levels, fencing and financial resources. By considering all factors, both your life and theirs will be happy and healthy.

Affordability

Despite the priceless amount of love and happiness that owning a pet can provide, there are very real costs that come along with bringing one home. After the initial price of adopting or buying your pet, you should consider future and potential costs, such as vaccinations, de-sexing, vet checks and treatments, grooming, pet insurance, training costs, toys and food. It’s a good idea to map out a budget of approximately how much you would be spending a week on owning a pet to be prepared.

Lifestyle

Pets, especially most dogs, love interaction with their owners so it’s important that you give them the time that they need. Walking, training, cleaning up, grooming and playing are all essential parts of owning a pet, which all take up time in your day. If your work and social life keep you out of the house and away from your pet, consider animals that are more independent, like cats, rabbits or birds. Your life stage will also impact what animal is suited to your lifestyle - breed characteristics will help you understand the general profile of a pet; for instance, a cat or older dog generally works well with an older couple, while a great family dog like a Golden Retriever or King Charles Cavalier might be perfect for a young family.  However, pet adoption websites like www.petrescue.com.au can tell you exactly which individual pet will match your family, with individual profiles to tell you who’s a shy cat, and who is a boisterous pup!

Space

The final frontier. Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a on a big farm, there is a pet for you. If you are living in a smaller space and looking for a dog, bulldogs, which are content with just a short walk, or pugs, which are generally known for their quietness and small size, can be great choices. Larger breeds generally need a fenced area or park to stretch their legs and relax their mind. This is not to say you can’t have a big dog if you live in a small place, some large breeds, like a Mastiff or Great Dane mellow as they get older and are happy lazing on the couch. Cats can fit well in most spaces and are generally fairly independent, so can be a great addition to large and small places alike. Finally, if you already have a pet in the home, think about how they may react to a new member in their space. Some cats and dogs get along like best friends, but others may be territorial.

Clearly, owning a pet is not without responsibility, but if you put the thought in beforehand, you are increasing the likelihood of a great life for you and your new animal.  If you tick yes to all the items on the checklist below then it’s the right time to welcome a pet into your life.

• Can I afford this pet?
• Price of adopting
• Vaccinations
• Food
• De-sexing
• Vet checks and treatments
• Grooming
• Pet insurance
• Training costs
• Toys
• Does my current lifestyle accommodate for a pet?
• Does my space work with the animal I want?
• Will a new animal fit in with any other pets in my home?