This is a P.S.A. First and foremost, buying or adopting an animal is not your right. It is a privilege. Period.
Covid had an unfortunate side effect regarding pet ownership. Bored people adopted or bought cats/dogs, small rodents etc. And where are they ending up now that people have returned to normalized, post-Covid life? Shelters, Kijiji, Craig’s List, local newspapers. Its too late for those idiots now but here’s a “heads-up” for anyone considering pet adoption, particularly dogs and cats.
First – it is a commitment. A long term commitment. Let’s do this as a list:
- Vet bills. You are looking at a minumum of 10K or more, depending on the breed and potential health issues – over say a 10 year period. Innoculations, yearly exams, illness.
- Pet food – if your pet has health issues, allergies/kidney problems etc. You can expect to spend between $150 – $200 per month, minimum.
- Vacations – few hotels permit pets, air travel is not pet-friendly, each country has their own regulations regarding animals coming into their country. So you will have to arrange for a kennel or an in-house pet sitter (comes with a whole bunch of issues – get references, valid references.) So, let’s say, in addition to your vacation expense? $500 for 2 weeks and that’s a low estimate.
- Training – not hard as a general rule but each breed has its own behaviours. Training is not a 2 week session, that’s your foundation. Training, POSITIVE TRAINING, is a life long endeavour. POSITIVE TRAINING. Never – ever – ever, strike your animal. NEVER.
- Children – never leave your young kids alone with your animal. Just don’t – it is irresponsible and inviting problems. Little kids will poke and prod, climb on and generally ignore your animal’s space. They can’t express how they feel – say your animal is developing an early ear infection and your crotch goblin sticks their fingers in the ear. Its painful and the first response may well be to snap. Not the dog’s fault, not the cat’s fault, YOUR FAULT.
- Shelter animals have been abandoned, they may have been abused or neglected. It may take anywhere from, minimum a month’s time to 6 months or more for them to acclimatize to your home. They will require their own “quiet” place and constant monitoring, positive reinforcement. It is not easy but well worth the time and effort required. It will require a LOT of effort.
- Allergies – NO ANIMAL – fur bearing or feathered is HYPO-ALLERGENIC. Hypo-allergenic pets are straight up bullshit. People with allergies are not allergic to the fur, it is the dander and saliva. Dander is the skin cells sloughing off. Animals and birds are all potential allergy sources. If you have kids, take them for a skin test at an allergist, FIRST, and save heartbreak for both your kids/potential pets.
- Most dogs, shorthair or not, cats, birds will shed/moult. So if you like a pristine house? Get a stuffed animal or fish. You will be vacuuming, dusting a lot. We had a short haired sweetheart and vacuuming was 2 or 3 times a week.
- All dogs have their own exercise needs, don’t get a large breed and lock it in an apartment or house while you are away 8-10 hours a day. Its just freaking cruel and that makes you the worst kind of asshat.
- Your choice of animal companion is no more of a responsibility than having a child; would you chain your kid up outside? Don’t do it to your dog. Would you deny your kid medical attention because you don’t have the money? Don’t do it to your dog/cat. Would you allow your kid to be free-range? Don’t do it to your dog/cat. Would you not train your children and help them to adapt their behaviour? Your dog/cat deserves the same care you give a child, (OK, the care MOST of us would give a child,)
Welcoming an animal/bird into your home is a privilege, not your right. Its expensive, it is hard work, very hard work but is totally worth it for the right people, those who understand their responsibilities – emotional and financial.
Wicked Emerald - Live From Montreal 