Impulse Buying

“Oh what a cute puppy!”

“We should get a dog now that we have a back yard.”

“Lets get the kids a bunny for Easter.”

"Wouldn’t a fuzzy kitten in a box under the tree be a great gift for the kids?”

Yes, they are cute and would be fun to play with in the back yard, find under a Christmas tree, or hopping out of a basket on Easter morning, BUT have you thought that maybe this is an impulse pet?

Many of these pets end up unwanted and dropped off at shelters a few months after the holiday or birthday. What is worse is that pets are abandoned on the side of the road. All because no one thought about the long-term responsibility of caring for a pet.

Think before you buy.

Can we afford to feed this animal?

Feeding your pet a brand of food that he/she is able to tolerate and that is within your budget is big challenge. To feed one large dog a mixture of dry and canned food once a day can run up to and over 45 dollars a month depending on the quality and quantity of food your dog will eat. Some animals will become ill and need to be put on special prescription diets that can be very costly. Take your budget under consideration before taking on the cost of feeding a pet.

What about your lifestyle?

Your lifestyle has to be examined before deciding to get a pet. Will you have time to spend training your pet? Will you have time to play with your pet? Will you have time to give your pet the daily affection he/she deserves? Will a pet fit into your lifestyle? Do you travel on business? Who will care for your pet when you are away? Cleaning up after a pet takes time and patients. Will you want to deal with pet hair, vomit, urine etc. etc.?

What about veterinarian care?

Regular pet care for shots, flea treatment and heartworm prevention can run up to or over $250 a year per pet depending on your vet and more if your pet has special needs.

How long will this animal live?



The average life span of a dog is 10 to 15 years depending on the breed. Some breeds will live longer. Cats live 14 to 17 years and some rare cases have been reported of up to 30 years. Hamsters and mice average 2-4 years. Rabbits 7 to 12. Parrots can live 40 to 100 years. Taking on the responsibility of a pet requires an obligation to care for your pet through its life cycle.

Do we have time to train a pet?

Depending on the pet you decide to buy or adopt, training can consume a significant amount of time if you want a well behaved and socialized pet. Pets that are loved as well as trained and socialized make the best long term companions. Training your dog or cat may require a comitment from you that you may not be up to.

Where will we keep the new pet?

Will this pet be kept outside? What about shelter from the heat and cold? Depending on where you live, heat or cold can kill your pet if proper shelter is not provided. Will there be ample shade and water available for your outdoor pet if you live in a hot climate. What about freezing weather? Will your pet be allowed inside to stay warm? Will you be able to tolerate a pet living in your home with you? Where will he/she sleep?






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