Responsible pet owners: Beware pets as gifts

Last week I wrote a bit about coping with upcoming holiday stress, which actually got me thinking about holiday giftgiving, which then led me to think about one of my personal pet peeves: Giving pets as gifts.

Many new pet owners are not prepared or studied in taking care of a new pet, whether it be kitten, puppy, fish, fowl, or rodent. This reminded me that it was time for my yearly spiel on being a responsible pet owner.

Pet owners must be prepared to spend time, money, effort, and energy on their new pet. Here are a few things to think about if you are wanting a new pet:

What is the pet’s life span? While a fish or mouse may live a couple years, a cat or small dog can live upward of 15 years. Some birds even live 50 years. Be aware of your time span commitment. A cute puppy today may live to be an elderly dog -- will you be there for them 10 or 15 years from now? Also, research all of the items and needs your pet will have and SA prepare before getting MEA that pet.

What are you IT’S T going to be able to TALK financially care for? Puppies and kittens become dogs and cats, which are fully able to procreate within 6 months. Are you ready to invest the money to pay for sterilization so this pet can have a happy and healthy life free from unwanted litters? Sterilization helps with temperament of the pet, as well as reduces health problems as the animal ages.

Are you prepared to responsibly vaccinate the animal as well as treat for parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms on a regular basis? Are you prepared to buy quality food for the pet? Are you prepared to brush and care for that animal, or pay a groomer to do so?

Are you willing to commit time each day for care of the animal -- fresh food and water, cleaning up messes, training, exercising, and paying attention to the animal? Does your home allow for the size of animal you want? For example, a Great Dane is not a good fit for apartment living; however, a house cat may be a better fit and enjoy a higher quality of living.

Consider, if you live with children or have other pets, if a new pet would be a good fit with existing pets and whether that particular pet is a good fit for children.

Lastly, and I see this way to often here, why get a pet at all if it is going to live its life on a chain or in a small kennel? I imagine what it must feel like to be tethered to a small patch of earth, exposed to the elements, and separated from those I love. I pity those poor animals. If you must chain your pet, it is your responsibility to provide it with sufficient food, water that is drinkable, and shelter from the weather, especially in Oklahoma’s extreme hot and cold seasons. Make sure your pet has shade if it is hot, and lots of shelter and warmth if it is cold.

Since it is the giving season, reach out to the Cordell Animal Shelter Project on Facebook to see if they are in need of donations for vet bills, animal food, bedding, foster homes and more. Before you buy from a breeder, consider adopting. I urge you to be a responsible pet owner, and to speak up for animals that are not properly being cared for.

While I normally urge my readers to be kind to one another, I would also remind you to be kind to our companion pets as well.

Sarah Mears-Ivy brings 12 years of experience in the field of human sciences and advocacy.