There are plenty of pets in South Africa that require good homes – but even if you have the best intentions, it’s important for your (and your pet’s) sake that the friend you take home matches your lifestyle.

Choosing a new puppy or kitten based on the “cute factor” is easy enough to do, but remember that pets are for life and that you will have to care for them for at least ten – twenty years to come, long after the cute factor has passed. A Labrador puppy may seem perfectly manageable and adorable at nine weeks old but soon he will reach a length of 61 cm and weigh close to 40 kgs. Will you still be able to handle such a large breed once he reaches that size?

It’s also important to consider the dog’s nature, particularly if you are going for a specific breed. Huskies are extremely popular dogs, but they are also the breed most often abandoned or relegated to shelters when they become older. They climb fences, are not particularly good guard dogs, require lots of shade and need LOTS of exercise. If you are a couch potato, or live in a warmer part of the country, they will soon drive you crazy and might even become destructive. Other dogs – such as the Italian Whippet – are perfectly suited to living in small flats, but they require a lot of training…because they will outrun you in the park every time and need to learn to listen to you when you shout “halt!”

Kittens also require some consideration. Not all kittens grow up to be affectionate or enjoy being handled once they are fully grown. If you are looking for a lap cat, you may be better off choosing a fully grown cat so that you know exactly what you are getting.

Before making a decision about the pet you want to get, it’s important to picture how he or she will fit into your home. Questions to consider include:
 

• Do you have small children? Certain dog breeds are prone to nipping or more protective of their food bowls, and not suited to small children.

• Do you have other pets? Not all dogs are good with other animals (even other dogs) and their hunting instincts may prove detrimental to your birds and cats! Cats are also pretty solitary in nature and introducing a new kitten may be difficult to do – consider employing an animal behaviourist to ease the transition.

• How often do you travel or work away from home? If you are going to leave your pet alone for long periods of time, a dog might not be the best companion because they are pack animals and require companionship. Consider getting a friend for your dog, or perhaps look at a cat or other pet for the home.

• How would you describe your lifestyle? Are you sedentary, active, calm, rambunctious? Make sure the pet you choose will fit in well. A corgi might be happy relaxing at your feet every weekend, a border collie will require twice daily walks and lots of activity to be happy.

• Do you have a support network? Who will look after your pet when you go away for the weekend or on a trip? Can you afford a safe pet sitter or kennel when you go away on holiday? Are you able to afford the medical care the animal may require in years to come? (Not to mention the sterilization and inoculation fees required upfront).

It’s important not to make a spur of the moment decision before bringing a new pet home – it’s a long and expensive commitment you will have to make, with potentially devastating consequences if it does not work out.

Consider visiting your local animal shelter for advice and suggestions. Try fostering a pet for a short period before making a full commitment. This will allow you to “test the waters” before making a final decision, and you will be providing a helpful service to your local shelter as well.