For the Love of Dogs and Catspet_adoption_day_dog_heart

 

In honour of Pet Adoption Day, it seems like a good time to think about the responsibilities that come with dog or cat ownership and how it may influence your lifestyle and your budget? If you take time in your decision to acknowlede the type of pet that would be more suitable to your living arrangements and lifestyle, choosing to adopt a pet can be a very positive and rewarding experience for you, your family and your new pet.

Before you decide to adopt, check out your local dog shelters web sites, to see if they can provide you with any tips around making the choice that is right for you? Sydney Dogs and Cats Home located in Carlton, NSW offer some great tips on what to think about when adopting a pet. They also offer a two week trial period to see how you and your new furry friend adjusts to your new lives together. You can check out the pets ready for adoption here.

Cost

Think about whether you can afford the ongoing costs of pet ownership? Pet ownership can be costly, so you should be prepared for the ongoing expenses such as food, registration, bedding and toys, vet care and annual vaccinations, pet boarding, treats, leashes, carriers, grooming, obedience training sessions, ticks and flea treatments and other extras. Expect to pay around $4 per week for a kitten's food budget and up to $30 per week for a large dog breed.

According to the Government of WA, sterilising of dogs will cost from $90 to $200, and vaccinations from $40 to $70 annually. You will find that some shelters and rescues will only release dogs or cats for adoption if they are sterilised, in most cases all cats and dogs are sold microchipped, lifetime registered, desexed, vaccinated and vet checked.

Excercise

Do you have at least one dedicated hour a day to exercise your dog, or play with your cat? If you don’t have time to take your dog on a long walk, opt for a shorter walk and then occupy it with backyard or indoor games instead. This can include some simple agility hurdles for your dog or scratching posts and play towers for your cat. Enrichment items should also be offered, such as presenting your dog’s food in a “Kong®” or just by cutting a hole, the size of the label, into a plastic milk carton, remembering to remove the lid and the plastic sealing ring for safety. For dogs, you can also place sensible food treats or raw bones (not cooked) inside a cardboard toothpaste box or a toilet roll core to provide inexpensive entertainment.

According to the ASPCA some cats prefer toys that they can throw around whilst others prefer toys that require owner participation, such as those you wiggle and dangle. Stimulating play for a cat involves opportunities to “hunt,” so move toys in such a way that they mimic the movements of a rodent or bird. Introduce new toys periodically to keep your cat from becoming bored with her toys. You can also provide objects for your cat to explore, such as cardboard boxes, paper shopping bags, packing paper and toys that encourage her to investigate various holes with her paws. Cats will spend hours watching leaves blow in the wind or birds flying around. If you can’t have an outdoor enclosure, try creating a window perch where your cat can easily sit and look out of the window.

Safety

Effective containment of dogs is a legal requirement and a condition of registration in Australia. Therefore prior to bringing you new dog home, check that your fences and gates are effective enough in containing your new pet, to avoid unnecessary costs such as compensation for injury resulting from nuisance dogs or aggressive dogs, impounding fees, maintenance costs, and other associated fines.

Even though, many states in Australia do not have containment laws regarding your cat, most state governments will advise that your cat should stay inside, or within an outdoor enclosure, especially at night. This will keep your kitty safe, as well as protecting Australia’s delicate native wildlife.

Well being

Did you know that there is scientific evidence that owning a dog or a cat can reduce stress and lower cholesterol? 

There is also no denying that owning a dog can be great motivator for your health and fitness, but cat owners can also benefit. Did you know that you can train you cat to walk with a harness and leash? This is a great option, if your cat is normally an indoor cat, whilst you are not home.

For dog owners, there is nothing more motivating than when your dog looks at you pleadingly, with legs crossed, to make you get off that couch and out for a walk. It is always best however, if you work the daily walk into your routine, to keep both you and your four legged friends, fit, healthy, socially stimulated, as well as helping form that life-long bond together.

If you have any comments or suggestions around pet adoption or how to keep your pet stimulated, please feel free to contact us via our Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, Instragram or Pinterest, or contact us.

Happy Pet Adoption Day, from the PetStayAdvisor Team!

 

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