It may be tricky welcoming a new furry friend into the home, but we’ll try to make that process a little easier for you. There are many things that must be done before welcoming our friends, as well as after. When choosing a pet it’s essentially adding a new family member into the home so we must factor current pets and their temperaments as well as household members that might or might not help care for our new pet. Get as much intel and schedule a meet and greet if possible to learn about the new pet you are bringing home. There also needs to be a consideration of the quality of the pets life, will you be home enough to provide proper care? Will your salary adequately support this new change? In the case of an emergency, will I be able to support my pet? There are many questions that should be asked before adopting to ensure a healthy and happy lifestyle.
When adopting there are certain requirements for different species of pets to ensure proper care. For example, rabbits and guinea pigs need chew toys to keep their teeth filed. Each species has a unique way of living and each pet has their own quirks that you must learn and adapt to. Prepare their living habitats before they come and keep up maintenance such as cleaning a cage, purchasing a new bed, or purchasing new enrichment toys. Do your research before adopting any pet from the pet store, breeder, or shelter. Look into nutritious pet foods as well as dental supplies to promote longevity and health.
After adoption, make sure set an appointment here at Veterinary Medical Clinic. It is important to make sure all pets are vaccinated to keep you and your other pets safe. Dr. Pajl can determine if the pet is in good health and educate you in the proper care of your animal throughout it’s life cycle. We can educate on preventative care at home, annual vet visits, vaccination schedules, and so much more. Don’t forget, this is also an adjustment for your new friend, so it may take a while for them to become comfortable in the home. During this time give them the space and time they need to adapt to their new home! We also do city licensure and tags to make sure they are registered with the city. Keep up to date with laws regarding pets and if you don’t know, ask!
Read more here at the AVMA’s website:
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/selecting-pet-your-family