Choosing a New Member of the Family!

With the holidays over, hopefully things are back to normal at your home. And if you and your family were thinking about adopting a dog or cat, now might be a great time!

But before you start looking at all those adorable and lovable potential pets, you and your family have some important things to consider. The list below can help you figure out what’s best when it comes to adding a new furry-faced member of the family. So grab your parent(s) and siblings and decide if now’s the right time!

Go to www.pimaanimalcare.org for more info and for the care center’s hours.

1. Why do you want a pet? (If you answer—because it would be so cute to have a little pocket dog like Paris Hilton—the adoption might end up being a mistake). Remember, pets can be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.


2. Do you have time for a pet? Pets require food, water, exercise, care, companionship and love every day.


3. Can you afford a pet? Remember you will not just be buying food. There are also license fees, training classes, veterinary care, grooming, toys, kitty litter (if you get a cat), and other expenses. Plus, if you don’t adopt from an animal shelter, you’ll probably also need to pay for the spaying or neutering.


4. Are you ready to deal with special problems that may arise? No pet comes with a guarantee that it will always be healthy and happy. Dogs (and even cats) may chew things up, have accidents on rugs or carpets, scratch up furniture, have unexpected medical emergencies, bark, dig, etc. Be prepared to work though issues that may come up!


5. Can you have a pet where you live? Many rentals don’t allow pets, and even home owner associations can have pet restrictions. Be sure to check before you bring a pet home.


6. Does everyone in the household want a pet? Make sure everyone is in agreement. Do your research to find the best pet that should fit into your home’s lifestyle.

Dear Paw Prints,
There are two dogs I see every day when I come home from school. They both have collars, but they are always outside, and I think they don’t have an owner. I want to help them but don’t know what to do.

Your friend, C.H.

Dear C.H.,
It’s very sad to see dogs running loose, but it is important to never approach a dog you don’t know. The best thing you can do is ask your parents to report the loose dogs to Pima Animal Care Center.

The more information you can provide, the better chance the animals will be caught. So, be ready to provide a description of the dogs; including the color, breed, size and collar color; where you saw the dogs; what direction they were going; time of day, etc.

If you or your friends have pets, please make sure to keep them safe by always walking them on a leash. When they are at home make sure they are either safe in the house or in a secure backyard that has sufficient shade, shelter, water and food.

Thanks for caring!

Pima Animal Care Center
4000 N. Silverbell Rd. • 243-5969
www.pimaanimalcare.org

Send your pet questions to Paw Prints
1037 N. Alvernon Way #150
Tucson, AZ 85711