congo news: PETS AS HOLIDAY GIFTS | oregoncoastdailynews

November 4, 2011 ? 9:23 pm

With the holidays just around the corner, you may have discovered a pet of some kind on that wish list that your child keeps reminding you about. Now is the best time to decide if this wish is one that is going to be fulfilled or one that is just going to have to wait a while.

The decision to purchase a pet is one that requires a lot of thought. Since the actual purchase of the pet and necessary supplies can add up to quite a bit of money, you must decide if you?re ready financially to support a pet. Make sure to take into consideration vet bills, housing, nutritional needs, grooming needs, and toys. If you?re getting a dog or cat, be sure to figure in the price of neutering or spaying.

You also need to determine whether or not the family has time to spend with a pet. This not only means do the children have time, but do YOU have time. Once the newness of this type of gift wears off, someone is still going to have a time commitment towards this pet. Unlike the toy that got broken or the jeans that are soon out grown, this new pet (regardless of what type it is: dog, fish, bird, etc) is going to require attention for a much longer period of time.

The amount of space you have is also a factor. Is there room in your household for this pet? Some animals require minimal space, while others require lots of space. In addition to housing, large animals will need a large area to run. You need to determine if you have sufficient room for the pet that your heart yearns.

If you?re renting, does your landlord permit animals and will they require an extra deposit to cover the pet? How will the pet effect neighbors? Please check this out ahead of time ? sneaking the pet in is not fair to anyone and will only cause heartache in the end.

Will this pet cause allergic reactions to anyone in the family? You can test this by visiting people with the same type of pet you are considering. The Animal Shelter may even have the pet you are seeking.

Some animals are prohibited by city and county ordinances in some areas. You will want to check ahead of time if you plan to give a friend or family member a pet such as an Easter bunny or baby chick.

Remember ? NEVER spontaneously decide to purchase a pet ? it?s not fair to anyone involved.

For more tips and information, please visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net or on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff?s Office ? Oregon.