Web May 2022

CHOOSING THE PERFECT
PET FOR YOUR FAMILY
Pets can be so beneficial
for families. They can teach responsibility,
compassion, give
unconditional love and so much
more. But how do you choose
what kind of pet is best for your
family? Here are some things to
consider when picking the perfect
pet.
Tight on space? Beta fish
are a great starter pet. They don’t
require much space, no heater or
filter needed, and cost is minimal.
Just make sure the kids don’t
feed them too much or you may
be giving them their first experience
of how to handle the loss of
their beloved pet.
Reptiles more your thing?
Tortoises can be a popular option
but keep in mind that they can live
50 years! They are non-allergenic,
don’t require walking in the winter
so that is a plus for some people.
Just make sure you are in for the
long haul!
10 May 2022 I QC Family Focus
Dogs are obviously a popular
pick for many families but
there are several things you need
to keep in mind when looking for
your furry friend. Puppies are a lot
of work. They need to learn when
and where to potty, what they can
and can’t chew on, and manners.
Animal shelters are a wonderful
place to find your new best friend.
Rescues can help you pick a dog
that will fit in with your lifestyle.
Like to run 3 miles a day? Some
dogs would love this, while some
breeds are not meant for this
much long-distance activity. A
husky and a dachshund have a
completely different activity levels
so pick the breed that fits in best
with your family.
Cats are often more independent
than dogs but they are
not “maintenance free”. Decide
who is going to be in charge of
emptying the litter box frequently.
If this grosses you out then maybe
a cat isn’t the best option. Rescue
shelters always have lots of kitties
so they can help if you want a
more snuggly cat or one that prefers
to keep his/her distance.
Not up for a long term
commitment with a tortoise?
Then maybe hamsters, gerbils
or other rodents are a better fit.
These pets like others mentioned
above can teach responsibility
with feeding, watering, cleaning
out the cages, but also about the
natural life cycle since their life
span is shorter. These animals
need some bedding and the
proper cage but otherwise the
cost investment isn’t as costly as
some other pet choices.
If you are thinking about
adding a finned or furry friend to
your family, do your research to
pick the perfect pet. There are
so many wonderful benefits to
having a pet...if the time is right
for your family.