Specialists in finding you cheap pet insurance

Buying a pet

Buying and owning a pet is a hugely rewarding experience. However, it is a sad fact that every year, thousands of pets are abandoned because their owners didn’t realise they were going to get so big, didn’t have the time or just ‘got bored’ with them. So, before deciding to bring a pet into your home - it is important to find out if this will be a happy, long-term relationship for all concerned.

What sort of pet?

When thinking about having a pet, many people already have an idea of what animal they would like. People describe themselves as a ‘dog person’ or a ‘cat person’ and would not think of changing. However, there are other considerations. The amount of space you have is a major one. It is unfair to keep a dog in a high rise flat or a cat near a busy road. Time is another, if you have the lifestyle where you are away from home for long periods, who will look after you pet, would it go with you and how do you arrange this?

Costs

It costs on average £10 a week to feed a dog. That’s £520 a year, plus there are costs for vaccinations, worming and de-fleaing, vet bills if they are ill, insurance and kennel costs if you go away and depending on the animal, cages and bedding.

Where to buy a pet

If you have decided on a pedigree cat or dog or more exotic pet such as snakes or other reptiles then it is wise to go a specialist registered breeder, who would be able to give you advice on caring for you new friend and help to choose it. They will also be able to show you the parents so you can get an idea of what your pet will look like when it is adult. For more exotic animals, it is important that they are able to prove where the animal came from and that it has been either bred here or brought into the country legally. Local vets and breed associations will be able to give advice on choosing a breeder.

Alternatively you could go to the local animal shelter, e.g. RSPCA, Blue Cross or PDSA who always have a large variety of animals waiting for a new home.

Specific points to consider.

Dogs are social creatures and should not be left alone for long periods. Cats are more independent than dogs and the average adult cat can cope far better with being left for some part of the day. Kittens, however, should not be left alone for very long.
Gerbils are very quick moving which makes it difficult for small children to hold them. Guinea pigs have a long lifespan (7 years) and need to live with another guinea pig. Goldfish are easy to care for, need little space and great for allergy suffers but the initial cost of setting up an aquarium can be high.