How to Take Care of Your Pet- Caring for Pets

1. Budget enough money for adequate care. Pets are not ultra expensive, but that doesn't mean you won't need to spend money. Below are some annual cost estimates provided by the ASPCA:
- Dogs-- $600-$900, depending on size
- Cats-- $600
- Rabbit-- $700
- Rodents--$300-$650, depending on size
- Fish -- $40 [2]
- Small Birds -- $400
- Large Birds (Parrots, Macaws)-- $700-$1,200 [3]
- Set aside a few hundred dollars in case of emergency veterinary costs.

2. Schedule regular visits to the vet. Be sure to bring your pet to the vet soon after adopting it as well. Just like humans, pets need regular check-ups to spot problems before they become serious conditions. Use your first visit to discuss how often you should schedule check-ups and your pet's dietary and medical needs.
- Be sure to schedule shots and vaccinations as soon as you can.
- Ask your vet what symptoms to look for if your pet gets sick.
- Spay or neuter dogs and cats to prevent pet over-population. [4]
- Record your vet's number as well as the number of a veterinary hospital in case of emergencies.

3. Make sure your new "family member" has food that suits their nutritional needs. The cheapest food you find may not always be the healthiest. Feeding animals table scraps - no matter how cute they are when they beg - is not a good idea since people food often has minerals and items in it that can be harmful to our animal friends. Only feed your pet appropriate foods and give them responsible portions.
- Research or ask your vet about good food sources and portion sizes.
- Natural foods, though more expensive, are healthier than dry or processed foods. [5]

4. Give your pet your affection and attention. Though this is certainly true of dogs and cats, even fish and lizards require dedication and love to really thrive. Animals are social beings much like humans, and you need to set aside time to play with your pets so they get exercise and mental stimulation.
- Give your pet room to roam -- the bigger the animal, the more room they'll need.
- Buy toys and play-sets for you and your pet to use together.
- Give your pet the occasional treat after good behavior to motivate it and cement good habits.

5. Clean your pet and all of its enclosures. This will keep both you and your pet healthy and happy. Create a regular cleaning schedule, at least once every 2-3 weeks, and stick to it, cleaning your animal and it's living spaces to prevent disease and odor.
- For larger pets like cats and dogs, there are animal cleaning centers with large tubs and hoses.
- Keep up with regular grooming, such as brushing fur or scrubbing scales, every few days.
- For dogs and cats, make sure you keep their nails short so they don't break painfully. [6]

6. Do in-depth research about care for your pet. While these steps are general guidelines for pet ownership, each animal is different and you need to adapt accordingly. Ask friends who have similar pets, check out books from the library, and search internet discussion boards about your breed or species. You can never know too much.
- Be flexible once you bring your pet home. Pets have personalities and will have different wants and needs.