Want to Adopt a Pet?  Wait Just a Minute!

It can happen to the best of us.  You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. (Tammy's note:  Or make it a swirly marble or dappled leopard in the case of Bengals!)  Or maybe it's a gorgeous, tail-wagging Labrador mix who couldn't be more friendly.  You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet aisle at the local supermarket.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy.  And no wonder!  Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys.  Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision.  Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and gerbils are living beings who require lots of time, money, and commitment.  Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Things to Consider
Thinking about adopting a pet from an animal shelter (or a reputable breeder) means you're a responsible and caring person.  But before you make that final decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think about these questions.

Why do you want to adopt a pet?  It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet.  Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up in being a mistake.  Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.

Do you have time for a pet?  Dogs, cats and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy.  They require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day of the year.  Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to properly care for them.

Can you afford a pet?  The monetary costs of pet ownership can be quite high.  Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Are you prepared to deal with special problems that only a pet can cause?  Chewed-up household items or scratched up furniture from animals who are young or not yet trained; accidents from animals who aren't yet housebroken; and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

Can you have a pet where you live?  Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have other restrictions.  make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.

Is it a good time to adopt a pet?  If you have children under six years of age, for instance, you will need to give much consideration to acquiring a companion animal.  Problem-free pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible and treat animals with the care and respect they need.  If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as a part of your work, waiting until you settle down is a wise choice.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?  Adopting a large of energetic dog to share your small apartment, for example, is not a good idea - he likely won't have the space to move around in, and giving them enough exercise will require quite a bit of activity on your part.  Choose an animal who will be comfortable in your surroundings.

Do you know who will care for your pet while you are away or on vacation?  You'll need either reliable friends and neighbours, or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet sitting service.

Will you be a responsible pet owner?  Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible pet owner.  of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?  When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Exotic Pets
Exotic pets such as parrots, snakes, hedgehogs and iguanas, to name just a few, are NOT good choices as pets.  While these creatures may have been captive bred, their grandparents came from the wild.  When we buy exotic species as pets, we encourage trade in wild animals for breeding stock (as mentioned in another article, the animals used in Bengal breeding programs do not come from the wild, they are specifically bred for these purposes or come from zoos).  Exotic pets have specific housing, nutritional and behavioural needs which are very difficult to adequately replicate in captivity.  Life in captivity is a miserable experience for many of these animals who may suffer from malnutrition, an improper environment, loneliness and the stress of confinement.  Exotic pets teach the wrong message about wild animals.  They are not commodities to be acquired because they are different or trendy.  Wild animals belong in their natural habitats not in a cage in the living room.  (Tammy's note:  Some exotic species adapt well to family life... however, they DO require special considerations and should ONLY become a companion animal once proper research, consideration and investigation have been performed.  Only the most committed of animal lovers should consider this option... these are not animals to be taken home without the proper respect and care due to them.)

Get an Animal for Life
Sure, it's a long list of questions.  But a quick stroll through the animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt a pet is so important.

Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pet to breed.  But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old - animals who were first obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got a pet.

Please, don't make the same mistake.  Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibilities, and love - for the life of the pet.

Tammy's note:  Tapestry Bengals takes responsibility for your pet's life for the duration of it's life because we have brought this life into the world.  You are ALWAYS asked to alert us should you find that you cannot keep your Tapestry Bengal for any reason.  We feel so strongly about this, we have included it within our legally binding contract... and will uphold it to protect the animal at ANY cost.  We want to make sure that you are making the right decision for you... and that by bringing one of our babies home, you are fully aware of the commitments and responsibility that these beautiful cats require... yet at the same time, we do not want to limit or restrict you or your new pet.

(Reproduced with permission from the
Toronto Humane Society's Animal Talk Newsletter.)