Selecting a Pet

A new puppy or kitten always brings a lot of joy to their owners.  They are so cute and cuddly and when they look at us with wide eyes we feel warm inside.  Because they are so adorable, it can be very tempting to purchase a puppy or kitten on impulse.  However, we recommend doing your homework first.

You may want to ask yourself , “Do I want a particular breed of pet or a mixed breed pet?”  Both can make wonderful pets.  Theoretically, mixed breed pets have less of a chance of having genetic diseases.  This does not mean that a mixed breed dog or cat will never get sick, in fact, with certain diseases the chance a mixed breed may contract them equals pure bred dogs or cats.   If you are looking for particular and predictable characteristics in your pet, you may want to select a pure bred pet.  These animals have been bred in an attempt to come as close to a breed “standard” as possible.  For most dog breeds this “standard” meets a set or characteristics that help the dog do his/her job effectively.  For example, the Dachshund has short legs and a long back to help it navigate the burrows of prey animals. 

Where you obtain your pet may also dictate the type of pet that is available to you.  If you adopt a pet from a local shelter or humane society your selection will be limited to the pets available for adoption.   These animals can make wonderful pets and you will have the added satisfaction of knowing you have given a dog or cat a second chance.   I recommend spending time interacting with your potential new pet prior to adoption and asking the staff about his/her personality.

If you purchase your puppy or kitten from a breeder you can obtain information about the lineage of that puppy or kitten.  Make sure to ask about the health history of the parents and consider asking for a veterinarian reference.  Take note of the surroundings where the puppies and kittens are being kept.  Is it clean?  Do the animals seem vigorous?  Do you note diarrhea or evidence of fleas or ticks? 

Florida is one of the few states to have laws governing pet purchase.  The Pet Lemon Law, Florida Statute 828.29 requires a dog or cat to be at least eight weeks of age at the time of sale.  You must be given a completed copy of the Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection which must be signed by a licensed veterinarian within the last 30 days.  The dog or cat must have been vaccinated, dewormed and had certain test prior to purchase.  These must have been administered by or under the direct supervison of a licensed veterinarian (NOT a private pet dealer) no more than 21 days prior to purchase.

When you are selecting a pet, you must also have budgeted for his/her needs.  The ASPCA estimates an annual cost of $600 to $900 dollars for dogs and cats to cover food, routine healthcare, toys and treats and in the case of cats, litter.  This does not include the cost of spaying or neutering or one time investment costs for things like leashes, bowls, beds, scratching posts, crates or travel carriers.  It is always disheartening to veterinarians when we hear, “Doc, I can’t afford it.”  So, please consider the financial costs when selecting a pet.  Insurance can help out with unforeseen medical expenses.  Please see the January topic of the month for more information.

 I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, and please take some time to think about what is involved in purchasing and owning a pet before that cute little puppy or kitten grabs your heart.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Jackson