Pets are not disposable
Every year hundreds of thousands of pets are abandoned at animal shelters in Australia.??A large percentage of pets are??surrendered, and??often put down,??in the weeks and months following Christmas by people who made impulsive pet purchases or by people who received a pet as a surprise gift. Pet ownership is a serious responsibility and the decision to get a pet is one that needs to be well thought out and a decision that needs to be made by an entire family. There are a few things you need to consider before you decide whether or not you (or your family)??should be giving or getting a pet for Christmas.
Can You Make the Commitment
Can you afford a pet???Responsible??pet ownership is expensive. Dog owners can expect to spend between??$1200 – $3500 a year on their dog. Cat owners spend an average $1020 a year on their cat. This price guide is only for basic care – if your pet gets sick or injured then the cost of pet ownership can become astronomical. Responsible pet owners should ??protect their pets and themselves with pet insurance. For more information on Petplan Pet Insurance visit our website??or call us for a free quote.
Do you have time for a pet???Dogs and cats require a lot your time and attention. Feeding, training, exercising, playing – it all adds up to a big commitment – but at the end of the day most pet owners will tell you it is 100% worth the time and the money because your dog or your cat will be the most loyal, most comforting, most appreciative best friend you could ever wish for.
Where will you be in 13 years???The average cat lives to be 12-14 human years old. A dog’s lifespan varies quite a lot by breed,??but dog’s on average live to??be 12.8 human years old. If you can’t make a long term commitment consider adopting an elderly animal or become a foster parent for a pet.
Before You Buy
The perfect match.??Consider which pet is right for you. Cats and dogs have unique needs and every pet will have different requirements depending on his??activity level, intelligence, and personality. Research information??online, speak to other??pet??owners, ask a veterinarian – find??the perfect pet for you!
Make a plan.??Before you bring a pet into your home have a conversation with the people you live with. Who will walk your dog? Who will feed your cat? If you live alone speak??to your friends and family and ask them whether you can count on their support if you are unable to temporarily (or??permanently)??care for your pet.
Be an informed buyer.??Whether you are adopting a forever friend from an animal shelter, a breeder, or a pet store, you need to do some research so you can be sure you pet is coming from a reputable establishment.??Use our??Petplan Business Finder to locate businesses and??shelters in your area.??
Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Your house is their house.??Train your pet properly and be sure rules of the house clear to your pet from the beginning. Are they allowed on the furniture? Where can they sleep?There are many household and backyard??dangers you need to be aware of. Be sure you are well informed and that your house is safe for your dog or cat.
Protect your pet.??The world can be a dangerous place for??a pet. Training your pet properly is essential to their safety and well-being. Protecting your pet with Petplan??Pet Insurance prepares you and your pet for unexpected ??illness or??accidental injury.??For more information on Petplan Pet Insurance visit our??website??or call us for a free quote.
Please carefully consider whether a pet is the right gift to give or to receive this Christmas and spread the word about responsible pet purchasing and responsible pet ownership so we can save as many ‘gift’ pets as possible this year.
This Blog was written by the furry family at??Petplan Australasia. Petplan Pet Insurance specialises in animal and animal industry insurance. Our practices keep the role that pet insurance plays in responsible pet ownership and the health of the pet at the forefront. For tips to keep your pet healthy, make sure you follow us on Facebook.
