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Blog

Why is now a good time to get a pet?

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  • RSPCA Australia
  • Friday, 29 December 2017
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Have you been thinking about getting a pet for a while? Have you thought about what kind of pet you might like, how you will take care of it, and are you ready to make the financial and time commitments that caring for a pet will require? If you answered yes to these questions, then you are in luck, because right now is one of the best times of the year to adopt your new best friend!

Traditionally, the RSPCA has warned people against adopting a pet at Christmastime, out of fear that pets given as unwanted or surprise Christmas presents often end up being abandoned weeks or months later. We still say a pet should never be a surprise gift. But if you’ve carefully considered the decision to bring a new pet into your home, the holiday season just might be the perfect time!

School holidays are on and you might also have some time off work to relax and enjoy the summer. Any animal introduced to a new home will need a period of time to settle in and while it is likely that you are spending more time at home the summer holidays could be a particularly good time to introduce an animal to the family. The extra time at home can be spent preparing for your newest family member and getting to know them when they arive.

Reading up on the type of pet you are considering is also a good idea, and you probably have more time to do so during the holidays. Knowing exactly what kind of requirements the pet has, and thinking about how you are going to fulfil those requirements is an essential part of adopting a pet. If you are adopting a younger animal, you need to know how big it will grow and how much exercise, grooming and food it will need, as well as the pet’s veterinary requirements such as regular vaccinations and desexing. Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird or pocket pet you have decided to adopt, it’s essential to make sure that you have a space for the pet to sleep, as well as feeding bowls and toys to help keep your new furry or feathered friend entertained when you’re not around.

The warmer summer weather also makes other things a little easier. If it’s a puppy you are thinking of adopting, for example, the warmer weather makes going outside to toilet train more pleasant than in the cold of winter. Getting outside to play with your new pet in the garden or at the local park will also be easier to do when the weather is warmer, but remember not to exercise your new pet in the middle of the day when the temperature is at its hottest, and to provide plenty of cool water and a cool place for them to rest as well.

Once you have decided on the kind of pet you would like to adopt, and all family members are on board with the decision, what’s next? Now comes the fun part! You can start by looking up all the animals available for adoption at your local RSPCA shelter at www.adoptapet.com.au. You will be able to search the location, type of pet, and even the colour and sex to ensure that you find exactly the right pet for you. There are lots of animals looking for loving families and adopting from the RSPCA means that you will be giving an animal who needs a home a second chance.

 

Photo of Amalie from Adoptapet: https://www.adoptapet.com.au/pet/586075  

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