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Which pet is suitable for me? |
Choosing a Pet
 For you and your new pet to be happy choosing the right pet for your circumstances at the beginning is the most important decision you will make.
Take time to think about what time you can give and what resources you have at home to manage your pet before you decide. Discuss your decision within the family and if you are unsure discuss this with the vet or nurse. "A pet is for life and not just for Christmas" is very true and you will have to consider that your pet will live for a number of years - up to 80 years for a tortoise and typically 15 years for a cat or dog.
What pet is suitable for me? A dog? Cat? Rabbit? Guinea Pig? Or a Rat?
Dogs
There is a wide range of dogs to choose. From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, Rottweilers to Yorkshire Terriers. Each dog will have its own personality, behaviours and demands on you.
Vital statistics
Lifespan: 10-16 years.
Feed costs: High; 30-80p per day depending on breed.
Healthcare costs: First year £130-£220 for annual vaccination, neutering, flea/ worm control, microchip, £60- £120/ year for annual vaccination, flea/ worm control and occasional visits to vet.
Kennel costs: £7 to £9 per day.
Insurance: full lifetime cover for £11 to £14 per month.
Dogs typically suitable for young families
Retrievers/ Labradors
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Dogs requiring large amounts of exercise
Border Collies
Working Spaniels
Weimeraners
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Dogs for older people
Most smaller dogs eg terriers
Well behaved and trained dogs of medium size.
Guard dogs
German Shepherd Dogs/ Alsatians
Rottweilers
Dobermans
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The Pros
- An excellent companion.
- A deterrent to burglars.
- Fun for all the family.
- Good exercise for the owner.
- Stay healthier and live longer.
- Opportunity to meet other dog owners.
- Can be trained as a working, show or activity dog.
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The Cons
- Need time to exercise.
- Not all dogs can be left alone for long periods.
- Must be well trained.
- Certain breeds and individuals can be aggressive and not suitable as family pets.
- You are legally responsible for the dogs actions
- Costs of feeding, healthcare, insurance and kennelling are significant.
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Cats
Vital statistics
Lifespan: 15 years.
Feed costs: Medium, typically 30p per day.
Health care costs: First year £100 to £120 for microchip, vaccination, neutering, worming: £60 to £80 per year on average for annual vaccination, flea/ worm control and occasional visits to vet.
Cattery costs: £4 to £5 per day.
Insurance: full lifetime cover for £6 to £8 per month.
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The Pros
- An excellent companion.
- Each cat however is an individual with some preferring the fireplace and others preferring the garden.
- Your cat shares your house and tends to do its own thing!
- Less demanding on your time.
- Suitable for all families of all ages.
- Can be left during the day.
- Less expensive than a dog to maintain.
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The Cons
- Possibly harmful to wildlife.
- Costs of healthcare, insurance, cattery and feeding.
- Some people are allergic to cats.
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Rabbits
Vital statistics
Lifespan: 6 years.
Feed costs: Low.
Health care costs: Annual vaccination for myxamatosis and VHD recommended £40 - £50 per year, neutering £50 - £70.
Pet Hotel: £2 per day or neighbour looks after rabbit.
Insurance: £7 to £8 per month.
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The Pros
- A very lovable pet.
- Lower cost to maintain than a dog or cat.
- Can be adapted to live in the house.
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The Cons
- Some rabbits resent close handling.
- Cost and space for hutches and runs.
- Hutches require frequent cleaning out.
- Requires time and attention.
- Some rabbits are aggressive and will bite and scratch.
- Children may lose interest.
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Guinea Pigs
Vital statistics:
Lifespan: 4 years.
Feed costs: Low.
Healthcare costs: low.
Pet Hotel: £2 or neighbour/ friend looks after pet during holidays.
Insurance: not available as health care costs are typically low.
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The Pros
- Excellent child's pet.
- Easier to feed and maintain than a rabbit.
- Healthy and low cost.
- Can normally be handled by children of all ages.
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The Cons
- Require a run and hutch.
- Require plenty of green foods and guinea pig diet.
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Rats
Excellent children's pet with few health problems and affectionate. Rat phobia limits the number of families owning rats.
Exotic pets - Tortoises, snakes and reptiles
All reptiles are specialist pets requiring specific housing and feeding advice. Prior to purchasing a reptile seek specialist advice from not only the pet shop but also from specialist reptile societies.
We would not usually recommend reptiles as suitable child pets as they tend to require specialist maintenance. Many of the problems we experience with reptiles relate to giving the incorrect diet or not providing the correct housing or climate.
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