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Adopting A Pet? Read Our Tips!

November 24, 2015 - 4 min read

Adopting a pet is so rewarding, although can be trickier than simply going to a breeder. Before you start the process, check out our top tips for adopting a cat, dog or bird.

Dogs

You know the saying “Money can’t buy happiness”. Well, money can get you puppies and that’s pretty close. When adopting a dog, there a quite a few things to consider first:

  • Get familiar with the responsibilities involved in owning a puppy and consider what breed would suit your lifestyle.
  • Visit the place where your puppy was born/bred and ask the breeder questions about its background.
  • Adopt from a reputable rescue centre or organisation, so you are fully aware of the puppy’s upbringing within the facility.

When you bring your new puppy home, keep these considerations in mind:

  • More active dogs will need a good space to play, such as a large backyard. You should also make your backyard and front yard as escape-proof as possible!
  • If you have young children, ensure that you never leave them unsupervised with the dog.
  • Between 3-17 weeks of age, puppies have a ‘critical socialisation period’, where socialisation and training are essential. Many vets offer puppy preschool classes for pups aged between 11-12 weeks. Also, take your puppy to meet friends’ dogs so they can socialize—be sure that your friend’s dogs are healthy and friendly!

Cats

If you have a fairly busy lifestyle, but still want a puff-ball to come home to, a cat could be perfect for you. More independent than dogs, cats tend to do their own thing while still being affectionate and cuddly. When adopting a cat:

  • Resist impulse buying. Owning any pet is a huge responsibility.
  • Ensure you’re adopting from a reputable breeding facility and ask questions about the kitten’s background.
  • Get familiar with the responsibilities of owning a kitten.

Once you bring your new furry friend home, consider these pointers:

  • Although very self-sufficient, kittens need lots of care and attention to stay healthy. Regular grooming is essential and should begin early, so the experience becomes enjoyable for both parties.
  • Especially while they’re kittens, play time is important. Having some toys for them to chase will provide hours of entertainment for them and you!
  • If your kitten starts developing bad habits (eg. Scratching the furniture), they are unlikely to associate your punishment with their mistake. The best method for hindering bad habits early is to gently spritz them with water when you catch them in the act.

Birds

Birds make perfect pets for families with small children who haven’t owned a pet before. They’re great for teaching your little ones about the responsibilities of owning a pet. Here are some considerations for adopting a bird:

  • Know what to expect when adopting a bird. They can get very loud and energetic when excited.
  • Birds are highly social animals and adopting a compatible pair is wise.
  • Many birds (especially parrots) have very long lifespans (30-50 years). Are you ready for that commitment?

When you bring your feathered one home, remember these tips:

  • Consider your lifestyle and space. Birds will need space outside of their cage to fly around and if you constantly use ceiling fans or cook on the stove, these can be very dangerous.
  • Much like grooming a cat, grooming birds (clipping their wings and claws) is essential and should begin early so they become accustomed to the experience. They’ll also do half the job for you if you give them cuttlefish bones to grind their beaks on.
  • They don’t just eat seeds! Your birds will thrive on a balanced diet of seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables. Do some research to find out what types of food your bird can and can’t eat.

When you’re about to welcome your new pet to the home, be sure to stock up on pet supplies! You can find everything you need in Townsville from these local pet stores and vets.

 Not in Townsville? Find a pet store in your area on LocalSearch.

Pet HQ
Drop by and see the friendly team at Pet HQ to grab all of your pet supplies and accessories. They provide:

  • Cages
  • Pet food
  • Grooming services & more

For all of your pet needs and services in Townsville, you can’t go past Pet HQ. Find their details on LocalSearch.

Hammett Street Veterinary Surgery
Since 1996, the compassionate team at Hammett Street Veterinary Surgery have been caring for Townsville’s animal population. The team provides:

  • Microchipping
  • Puppy preschool
  • Dentistry & much more

To keep your pet healthy and happy, take it to see the lovely team at Hammet Street Veterinary Surgery. Find out more on their LocalSearch profile.